Nutrition on the menu for Activities in the Park

HEALTHY START... Start Outdoors owner Kim Merkel, Best Start coordinator Belinda Whitelaw, RDI Nutrition senior nutritionist Katie Thorp and Healthy Communities team leader Charlie Maude. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

DINNERTIME and hungry kids go in hand in hand. We plan and cook meals to ensure our children enjoy a nutritious and fulfilling meal, yet many of us are met with looks of disdain when we dish up dinner, even being surprised when an old favourite is suddenly branded unpalatable by an outraged toddler.

Healthy eating is an integral part of giving your children a great head start in life and supporting their growth and development. Education surrounding why it’s important to eat healthily and keep active can be key to helping children understand why we eat the things we should and could very well help with those meal time battles.

Greater Shepparton City Council’s Activities in the Park initiative is holding two fun-filled events in conjunction with Katie Thorp from RDI Nutrition and Kim Merkel from Start Outdoors to help educate the pre-school set about healthy eating and being active through activities.

“Having a head start before children enter the school system lays the foundation for a healthy relationship with food, ideally for life,” said nutritionist Katie.
The session will include mat time, reading a book about healthy eating, playing a mystery game and building a ‘Super Healthy Fruit and Veggie Person’.

“Fundamental movement skills are the foundation for future sport participation.” said Start Outdoors owner, Kim Merkel.

Registering beforehand is preferable through Council’s website and remember to bring a hat and drink bottle, wear comfortable shoes and have fun!
Session times are as follows:

Friday March 19 – Mactier Gardens, Tatura 9.30am – 11am Wednesday March 31 – Ferrari Park, Mooroopna 9.30am – 11am