Helen Faasse is a dietician and programme manager for healthy childcare at Partou. She was one of the pioneers who set up the science department in recent years, but recently returned to her old love: nutrition and physical activity. “The issue at Partou was never the availability of healthy food," she explains. "We have been following the dietary guidelines of the (Dutch) Wheel of Five for years. But it only becomes truly beneficial when you invest more time and energy into raising awareness. Why is it important that we do what we do? What is the value and benefit of healthy nutrition? We don’t just focus on reducing sugar, salt and saturated fat but also on offering fruits and vegetables more frequently and in greater variety at every mealtime."
This topic has become increasingly relevant in recent years, as recent data shows a continued rise in the percentage of children and young people suffering from severe obesity. Moreover, research indicates that only two out of five children consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables.
“This means that many children lack the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a healthy diet later in life," says Helen. “It is important for children to learn and see where their tomatoes and apples come from and to develop their taste buds by experiencing and tasting different textures and flavours. Making the process enjoyable and engaging and involving children in the activity, often leads to them developing a liking for fruits and vegetables. Lecturing them and constantly listing what they should or shouldn’t eat just doesn't work.”
Three pillars
Helen’s approach is built on three pillars. "It is important to clearly communicate to children and parents that a healthier diet makes a significant contribution to a child's development," she says. This not only impacts their physical development but also contributes to their mental well-being: “People who eat healthily generally feel better and have more energy. This applies to both children and adults.”
The second pillar involves maintaining consistency in promoting the value of healthy nutrition over time. “Babies' taste buds develop significantly during their time in childcare," Helen explains. “Just like children can develop a taste for sweetness, they can also acquire a taste for vegetables and fruits. Initially, they may react hesitantly to a mashed bite of beans or broccoli. However, accepting certain flavours is a process in which you can and should guide them."
The final pillar involves engaging children in a shared exploration of healthy foods. “There are many ways you can incorporate knowledge about fruits and vegetables through play in childcare settings," nods the programme manager enthusiastically. "Especially as children grow older.” For instance, children can cook together and learn more about nutrition. Or they can grow their own vegetables in a vegetable garden, which they can then eat themselves: “By approaching knowledge in a social way, children are more receptive to learning new things and asking questions.”
Helen notes that providing a better explanation about the importance of healthy nutrition also has a positive impact on parents. “The decision to replace all sugary drinks with water resulted in a flood of disgruntled reactions a few years ago,"she says, laughing. “But if you can effectively explain why you're doing something, parents quickly come around, and even applaud it. Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy and avoid lifestyle diseases later on."
Treat Safari
The children respond very positively to the playful way in which early years teachers bring the topic to their attention. “We explain that each vegetable has its own colour and strength," says the programme manager. "Just like a rainbow. Keep it simple and understandable: green helps cleanse your body and yellow is good for your muscles. Early years teachers indicate that the method is effective and children are consuming a wider variety of colours.”
The nursery already had the 'Taste Safari,' which focuses on specific vegetables. “At the out-of-school club, we are expanding the 'Treat Weeks' and starting in 2024, children will be encouraged to go on a 'Treat Safari' during one of the two annual themed weeks," says Helen. “And then the step towards trying something 'weird white’ like cauliflower or fennel isn’t really that daunting. We also encourage eating in-season fruits and vegetables. This naturally leads to a more varied diet and is also good for sustainability."
More engagement
To further engage parents from vulnerable communities in the healthy lifestyle that Partou advocates for, Partou and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences have jointly developed the 'OK Healthy’ app. “The app clearly explains the subject, using images," says Helen. “Parents learn about healthy nutrition and receive simple assignments to encourage more physical activity and better sleep.” Additionally, a podcast featuring employees who initially had reservations about the nutrition policy was recorded in Rotterdam to inspire them and give them the opportunity to explain the rationale behind their reservation: "You can hear how they gradually became more enthusiastic.”
Promoting a healthy lifestyle is an ongoing effort. Helen's wish list includes exploring the introduction of healthy warm lunches and fostering more partnerships with local businesses. “In addition, we aim to share more facts and recipes to further inspire employees and parents to cook healthily at home," explains the programme manager. “The well-being of employees and children is a top priority and was a central theme during the inset day we organised last year. It is important to subsequently continue working closely with employees and parents, and to emphasise that children can acquire valuable skills and knowledge at our organisation that will benefit them throughout their lives."
A commitment to care
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