We'll fund kids healthy food program: ALP - Ballarat Courier

School children would be taught about how to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs and use them to make healthy meals through a federal government-funded program if Labor wins the next election. The opposition has pledged to restore funding for the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, which it rolled out nationally when last in government, in an effort to curb obesity. That comes as one in four Australian children is overweight or obese. "Without intervention, many of them will become overweight or obese adults," Labor health spokeswoman Catherine King says. "Obesity in both children and adults is a critical public health issue - so it's critical we invest in preventative health." Labor says the Abbott government stopped funding for the program and it has not since been returned. The opposition wants to spend $6 million on the initiative. The funds would mean federal support for about 800 schools that have already got the program up and running. At least another 1200 schools and early learning centres would also be able to newly implement the program. About 180 of those schools or centres, based across three disadvantaged regions, will receive "intense services and supports". Ms King says the program, initiated by food writer and chef Stephanie Alexander, helps children form positive food habits and is overwhelmingly supported by students, parents and teachers. A national obesity summit was held in Canberra last month, after the federal and state governments agreed it was necessary. The summit brought together obesity experts as a first step towards creating a new, nationally cohesive strategy on obesity prevention and control. A senate inquiry into obesity has also been underway since May. Australian Associated Press

School children would be taught about how to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs and use them to make healthy meals through a federal government-funded program if Labor wins the next election.

The opposition has pledged to restore funding for the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, which it rolled out nationally when last in government, in an effort to curb obesity.

That comes as one in four Australian children is overweight or obese.

"Without intervention, many of them will become overweight or obese adults," Labor health spokeswoman Catherine King says.

"Obesity in both children and adults is a critical public health issue - so it's critical we invest in preventative health."

Labor says the Abbott government stopped funding for the program and it has not since been returned.

The opposition wants to spend $6 million on the initiative.

The funds would mean federal support for about 800 schools that have already got the program up and running.

At least another 1200 schools and early learning centres would also be able to newly implement the program.

About 180 of those schools or centres, based across three disadvantaged regions, will receive "intense services and supports".

Ms King says the program, initiated by food writer and chef Stephanie Alexander, helps children form positive food habits and is overwhelmingly supported by students, parents and teachers.

A national obesity summit was held in Canberra last month, after the federal and state governments agreed it was necessary.

The summit brought together obesity experts as a first step towards creating a new, nationally cohesive strategy on obesity prevention and control.

A senate inquiry into obesity has also been underway since May.

Australian Associated Press

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