Veg Power launches ‘Attack the Snack’ campaign to improve children’s health
Children in the UK eat an average of three unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks a day, contributing to excessive sugar, salt and saturated fat consumption. Analysis conducted by Action on Salt and Sugar found 77% of crisps and 88% of popcorn would be scored ‘less healthy’ under the Government’s guidelines.
‘Attack the Snack’ aims to encourage children to reach for fresh and tasty vegetable and fruit snacks more often, such as crisp British apples, fresh salad wraps, crunchy carrots or juicy berries.
The expert taskforce supporting the campaign includes child nutrition experts Charlotte Stirling-Reed (RNutr) and Catherine Lippe (RNutr), child psychologist Dr Clare Holley who specialises in children’s eating habits and Louise Burke, editorial director of Netmums. Their expert advice will support parents to introduce healthier snacks and take the stress out of making incremental changes.
Phase one ‘Summer Snacks’ will cover the months of July and August and provide snacking inspiration and tips for families for on-the-go snacking situations such as picnics, day trips, beaches, parks and the workplace.
Phase two in September and October features ‘After School Snack Moments’ focused on playdates, sports and other after school activities, or relaxing at home. Veg Power will run a schools’ programme with primary and special schools.
Dan Parker, chief executive of Veg Power, said: “We know that snacking culture is rife in the UK and that snacks can be a really helpful way to bridge the gap between meals for children. However, what we’re hearing and seeing all too often is an over reliance on packaged snacks which while convenient are not providing the balanced nutrition that our children need.
“Instead, we want to encourage kids to eat a wider selection of snacks - we want to see more children eating veg snacks more often, and for the first time we’re excited to be working with the British fruit sector as well. Not only will this improve the nutritional quality of their diets, but it will help to create fruit and veg eating habits for life.”