EARLY YEARS EDUCATORS TRAINED IN HEALTHY EATING AND ORAL HEALTH

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Healthy Children Growing Together Project Highlights – May 2015Children’s health and wellbeing is a key theme of the Council Plan 2013-2017, Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017 and Municipal Early Years Plan 2014-17. In April 2014, Council successfully received a $300,000 grant from the Macedon Ranges North Western Melbourne Medicare Local to deliver the Healthy Children Growing Together (HCGT) Project.

The purpose of the project is to promote and protect the health and wellbeing of children and their families, through the delivery of health promotion strategies that aim to proactively address the increasing rates of childhood obesity within the City.

At a national, state and local level, the health and wellbeing of communities is declining, with rates of overweight and obesity on the rise, and levels of participation in physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption decreasing. This is extremely evident across the City of Melton.

This report highlights some of the key objectives of the project, and the outcomes to date.

3 To build the capacity of early years service providers to develop, implement and evaluate healthy lifestyle initiatives. 3 Encourage children to eat the

recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables.

‘COOKING FOR KIDS’ COOKBOOKS DISTRIBUTED

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facebook.com/healthymelton

3 Raise awareness of the importance of physical activity and health eating in maintaining a healthy lifestyle among children and their families.

3 Increase physical activity levels of children and their families.

3 Provide opportunities for whole of family physical activity initiatives.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES PARTICIPATED IN PROGRAMS829

PROGRAMS

232 High Street, Melton193 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline SpringsT: (03) 9747 7200 – melton.vic.gov.au

“It’s been a pick me up, thank you Melton Council for a brilliant program to join local people together staying healthy and happy.”

Get Active in the City of Melton participant

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES REACHED1961

16 71 TOTAL SESSIONS

“It’s something that Thomas and I could do together.”

Cardio Tennis participant of his experience with his 7 year old son

“I think it’s a great family staple cookbook that will be used in my

home for years to come. These days there are so many fancy recipes that are time consuming and expense to

buy all the ingredients.”

Cooking for Kids Cookbook recipient

“Made me feel more comfortable about introducing solids to my child.”

Feeding Your Baby participant

“I was able to bring bubs & it was so convenient.”

Pilates in the Park participant

“Excellent idea proud to be in this Council.”

Program participant

“The important [thing] is this session gave [me] an idea of working

towards the goal with a proper plan.”

Fussy Eating participant