31st Jul 2009: Coleraine Borough Council goes for the healthy option
Mayor of Coleraine, Cllr Sandy Gilkinson promoting Causeway Kids Cuisine?>Mayor of Coleraine, Cllr Sandy Gilkinson; Sharon Gilmore from the Foods Standards Agency and Debbie Keys, Health and Well Being Officer at Coleraine Borough Council at the launch of 'Causeway Kids Cuisine'. Also in the picture are Jessica, Evan and Louise who are looking forward to trying out some healthy dishes on the North Coast.
Jessica, Evan and Louise at the launch of 'Causeway Kids Cuisine' an exciting new initiative led by Coleraine Borough Council to encourage healthy eating for children on the North Coast.
COLERAINE Borough Council has launched an exciting new initiative today aimed at promoting healthy eating to kids on the North Coast. 'Causeway Kids Cuisine', is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and involves the local authority working in partnership with restaurants, hotels and cafes across the borough to encourage them to offer healthy options on their menus for children.
Funded by the Northern Ireland Foods Standards Agency, the scheme sees Environmental Health Staff within Council working with the various eateries. Staff are providing them with the necessary advice and guidance in order for simple changes to be made to the menus, ensuring they are healthier, yet still remain attractive to kids. Twenty six establishments from throughout the Coleraine Borough are signed up to the scheme, including Arbutus, Kilrea; Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae; Royal Court, Portrush; and Shenanigans, Portstewart.
The main aim of the Council led initiative is to demonstrate commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles to local residents, as well as visitors to the area. It is hoped that this project will complement worthwhile health projects already in place to address childhood obesity and salt levels in children's food choices.
Debbie Keys, Health and Well Being Officer Coleraine Borough Council, who is leading the project, is extremely pleased at the uptake and enthusiasm of the participants, she said; "The feedback has been very positive from the establishments involved, and although they are accepting our advice and guidance, they are also proactive and generating their own ideas for their menu's."
Mayor of Coleraine, Cllr Sandy Gilkinson, added; "As part of Council's vision for the Borough's residents, we are keen to contribute towards a reduction in childhood obesity levels by supporting and advising eateries to reduce fat and salt levels within their children's meals. Council has provided packs to each participating restaurant, they include a recipe book, recommendations, healthy eating tips, cooking practice tips, as well as branding, to let customers know of their participation".
Restaurants must deliver at least five recommendations over a minimum of twelve weeks to provide healthier meals through the selection of healthier ingredients, and cooking methods. Types of changes that can make a difference are to reduce the use of processed foods; provision of balanced meals; selection of healthier drinks, option of desserts and adoption of healthier cooking methods.
Sharon Gilmore, Dietary Health Senior Policy Officer at the FSA Northern Ireland, said, " The Agency is pleased to be able to offer grants to those Councils who are helping to contribute to our targets of reducing the population's salt and saturated fat intake. Coleraine Borough Council's project has the potential to make a real difference, by educating chefs and caterers about providing healthier choices for children and hopefully playing a part in reducing childhood obesity levels in the area".
Incorporated in the scheme is a competition were the participating restaurants will be scored according to the amount of changes made. A prize giving event will be held in November, where awards will be presented to the top three restaurants with outstanding menus.
Free nutritional training (CIEH Level two in special diets and Healthier Foods) will be provided by Council representatives to each restaurant in August, which will assist in the understanding of nutrition and development of healthier menus.
For further information please contact Debbie Keys, Health and Well Being Officer or Alexis Cann, Environmental Health Officer at Coleraine Borough Council, tel 7034 7171.
Ends.
Issued Thursday 30th July
For further information please contact Tara Cunningham or Denise McElhone, tel 7034 7083.