Kids Crunch & Sip towards good health

11/5/05
The State Government is tackling the burgeoning problem of obesity in Western Australian children with the launch today of Crunch&SipTM.
Crunch&SipTM is a new initiative from the Department of Health aimed at increasing children's consumption of fruit, vegetables and water.
With mounting rates of childhood obesity, Premier Geoff Gallop is urging schools to introduce children to fresh fruit and vegetables in the classroom and encourage them to drink water throughout the day.
"Every child in WA deserves the best start in life and good eating habits formed during childhood help children grow well and protect them against diseases in later life," Dr Gallop said.
"The proportion of overweight children in WA has tripled in the last 20 years with one in three girls, and one in four boys, now overweight.
"On any given day, four out of 10 children don't eat fruit, three out of 10 don't eat vegetables, and yet half eat confectionery.
"Children need to be the focus of our actions to address the obesity epidemic. There is an urgent need to address the contributing factors of poor dietary habits and lack of physical activity."
Crunch&SipTM is a set break during the school day for kids to eat fruit (or salad or vegetables) and drink water in the classroom.
Schools participating in the program are required to meet set criteria, which include reinforcing good nutrition in the curriculum.
Once accredited, Crunch&SipTM schools receive a free water bottle for every child and staff member participating, a fence sign and a certificate.
"WA primary schools committed to improving children's health through education are adopting the Crunch&SipTM initiative," the Premier said.
"Crunch&SipTM helps children - the break creates a specific time to eat fruit or vegetables and drink water.
"Not drinking enough fluid can quickly cause dehydration, which can lead to headaches and irritability. Children rarely drink enough water and often forget to drink unless reminded."
Dr Gallop said many schools were already enjoying the benefits of Crunch&SipT, as the program had been adapted from the Great Southern Public Health Service and the Albany and Narrogin District Education Office's 'Fruit & Water Policy in Schools' project.
The Premier will launch Crunch&SipTM today at Lathlain Primary School, during the Department of Health's 15th annual Fruit 'n' Veg Week (May 9 - 13).
Parents, teachers and students can find out more about Crunch&SipTM by visiting the website:
http://www.crunchandsip.com.au
Premier's office: 9222 9475
Health Department: 9222 4333