Healthy Eating in Lambeth
Like many inner city areas, Lambeth faces diet-related challenges to health and wellbeing. Nearly one-quarter of children in Lambeth are obese by the age of ten, which has the potential to lead to serious health complications both now and in later life.
A balanced diet, consisting of more fruits and vegetables, and fewer foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar, can help improve weight and wellbeing in the children of Lambeth. At the moment, just over half of 15 year olds in Lambeth eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Encouraging local children to eat more vegetables could help to improve their wellbeing and create healthy habits that last into adulthood.
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Edward Davie, Lambeth’s joint Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “I would encourage as many Lambeth residents as possible to come and join us on Saturday for what will be a fun food experience for the whole family.
“We all know vegetables are good for us, but sometimes we think they’re boring. Our vegetable invasion on Saturday is a chance to find out that there’s more to this story, to dispel some myths and help make sure we are all eating well.
“Let’s all get together and give veg the love it deserves.”
Eat Them to Defeat Them
Promoting health and wellbeing is a priority for Lambeth. The borough has a well-embedded and co-produced Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and the Lambeth Health and Wellbeing Board has committed to promoting healthier and sustainable food for the borough.
The Council is working in partnership with local schools and VegPower on the Eat Them to Defeat Them Campaign, inspiring children to love their veg. Children in Key Stage 2 who attend school in Lambeth have received sticker reward charts, attended veggie cooking classes, and participated in school-based veggie activities.
Now the Council is celebrating the success of this campaign by hosting a free family fun day in Windrush Square and Brixton Market. Families are invited to bring their children to participate in craft activities, a treasure hunt, and vegetable tasting, all with the aim of inspiring children to love their veg.
Children’s Poster Competition
In the run-up to the event, the Council and VegPower have been running a poster competition for children in Key Stage 2 (7- to 11-year-olds). The top 20 entries will win a £20 book voucher, VegPower goody bag, and the poster will be displayed at the Family Fun Day. The star prize will be awarded at the Family Fun Day, with the chosen poster being displayed on billboards across the borough.
