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Munch and Crunch success
The Munch & Crunch Healthy Lunch Project was initiated in 1999 in
County Waterford by the Health Service Executive South Eastern Area
(formerly SEHB). It aims to encourage and support primary schools in
developing and implementing a healthy lunch policy that is unique to
their school. There are now 217 (84%) schools in Counties Waterford,
Kilkenny and Wexford that are involved in this project.
A school lunch policy which has the backing of parents, teaching
staff, Boards of Management and pupils enables the promotion of the
Department of Health's Healthy Eating Guidelines, and additionally
provides support to both parents and teachers in improving the
nutritional quality of school lunches.
The project was recently evaluated by the Waterford Institute of
Technology and the results are very encouraging. As one principal
commented, “As far as I can see there has been an increase in the
number of properly made sandwiches and fruit consumed at lunch-time.
I’m also surprised at the number of kids drinking water instead of
fizzy drinks for lunch.”
The evaluation report states that the Munch & Crunch project has-
- Been effective in helping
to create an awareness of the importance and benefits of
healthy eating
- Become integrated into the
philosophy and curriculum of the majority of the
schools in the south east.
Information on the Munch and Crunch policy can be obtained from your
local health promotion department.
For further information please contact Fiachra O’Ceilleachair,
Communications Department 056 7784313 or 087 618 2083.
Suggested Meal Plan for 5-10 year olds
Breakfast
- Fresh fruit or unsweetened fruit
juice
- Breakfast cereal e.g. wholegrain
bran type or porridge
- Wholemeal bread/toast &
margarine/butter spread thinly - preferably low fat. Jam /
marmalade
- Milk or tea.
Lunch
Should provide one third of your child’s food requirements for
the day
- Meat, fish, chicken or combination
dishes e.g. pizza, quiche
- Bread for sandwiches - rolls,
pitta, soda bread.
- Fresh fruit / yoghurt
- 1 glass or carton of milk or
unsweetened fruit juice
Dinner
Adapt your favourite recipes into health, balanced dishes
- Home made vegetable soup
- Lean Meat or chicken or fish
- Good serving of vegetables or
salad
- Boiled / baked Potatoes/rice/pasta
- Fresh fruit/ stewed fruit /milk
pudding /yoghurt
- 1 glass of water
- Milk or tea
Bedtime / between meals
Cup of milk and a small snack e.g. wholegrain cracker, scone, plain
biscuit.
Good eating advice for children.
Do eat regular meals, not one big meal each day.
Do eat as wide a variety of food as possible.
Do eat more fruit, vegetables and salad foods.
Do eat wholegrain cereals and bread.
Do use mayonnaise/salad cream/salt sparingly.
Do remember to brush you teeth after breakfast and at bedtime.
Don’t skip meals or eat lots of snacks each day.
Don’t eat fried foods. Grill instead.
Don’t eat sweets, cakes and biscuits too often. Have them as
occasional treats.
Photograph available from Gaelscoil Mhoshíológ, Gorey on request. |
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