Healthy Eating Project

This Council's commitment to collaborative working has been demonstrated again by the development of an exciting and innovative community project supported by the Community Partnership Officer and the Parks and Amenities Manager. This has brought together local schools, this Council, the West Surrey Health Promotion Service and Allotments Association to influence and educate young people on eating a healthier diet and encouraging them to grow their own produce. In January 2002, Jane Bailey, a Health Promotion Service specialist, approached the Council with a view to setting up a Healthy Eating Project in conjunction with local schools in order to take action on the growing problem of obesity in children. For example:

20% of 4 year olds in the UK are overweight and 8% are obese.

The number of obese 6 year olds has doubled in the last 10 years.

Less than 20% of 2 - 15 year olds eat fruit and vegetables once a day (the recommended intake is 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day)

Nearly 70% of 2 -12 year olds consume biscuits, sweets or chocolate at least once a day.

(Source: Couch Kids, The Growing Epidemic - British Heart Foundation)

The project, developed by Runnymede Borough Council, West Surrey Health Promotion Service, Manorcroft Primary School, Boshers Allotments and Gardeners Association, Sayes Court Junior School and Sayes Court Allotment Association, aims to enable children to understand where food comes from by growing vegetables and to be motivated towards a healthy diet. The Health Promotion Service has advised there is no other project of this sort in Surrey. The project is being run differently at each school as pilot schemes. It is anticipated the role of allotments will be enhanced as a result of the project.

Manorcroft Primary School

At Manorcroft Primary School the project has been part of the Science and Personal Health and Social Education lessons. The children plant French Beans and other seeds at the Boshers Allotments. There are theory lessons, allotment visits (to care for plants and seeds sown) and the Health Promotion Service provide input on healthy eating. The children keep an Allotment Booklet measuring the growth of the plants. A dish is prepared at the end of the project which demonstrates other health aspects such as food preparation and hygiene.

Sayes Court Junior School

Salvation Army volunteers have created a mini allotment on the school premises. Fencing for the plot and growing advice is being provided by Mr Hope (Treasurer, Sayes Court Allotment Association). The project is part of the After School Club. A record is kept of the plants/vegetables grown by the children. The After School Club children participate in healthy eating demonstrations to 90 other children in the school. The children also make two visits to the Sayes Court Allotments.

If these pilot projects are successful it is anticipated the scheme could be extended. There is already interest in the Guildford Borough Council area in setting up a similar scheme.

If you are interested in finding out more information on the Healthy Eating Project contact Leisure Services leisure@runnymede.gov.uk