Latest news with #RachelBath
South Wales Argus
20-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Government consultation on changing school food
The proposals aim to increase fruit and vegetables in primary school menus, and limit sugary desserts and fried foods, in line with UK dietary guidelines. The new rules will ensure children are offered nutritionally balanced school food and drink, and that healthy eating is promoted in schools to improve health, wellbeing, and attainment. Evidence shows that children eat too much sugar and don't consume enough fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains, contributing to health issues like childhood obesity. The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: "Good nutrition is vital for helping young people perform at their best - whether in the classroom, on the pitch, or pursuing their goals. "Our evidence-based changes to school food rules will help give Welsh children the best start in life while supporting Welsh producers and nurturing a generation of healthy eaters to safeguard the future of our NHS." Rachel Bath, consultant in public health for Public Health Wales, said: "Strengthening these regulations is a vital step to ensure school food supports lifelong healthy eating habits." The consultation is open to parents, teachers, suppliers, and young people.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Welsh Government launches consultation on changing school food
The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on changing school food to ensure all children have a balanced diet. The proposals aim to increase fruit and vegetables in primary school menus, and limit sugary desserts and fried foods, in line with UK dietary guidelines. The new rules will ensure children are offered nutritionally balanced school food and drink, and that healthy eating is promoted in schools to improve health, wellbeing, and attainment. Evidence shows that children eat too much sugar and don't consume enough fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains, contributing to health issues like childhood obesity. The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: "Good nutrition is vital for helping young people perform at their best - whether in the classroom, on the pitch, or pursuing their goals. "Our evidence-based changes to school food rules will help give Welsh children the best start in life while supporting Welsh producers and nurturing a generation of healthy eaters to safeguard the future of our NHS." Rachel Bath, consultant in public health for Public Health Wales, said: "Strengthening these regulations is a vital step to ensure school food supports lifelong healthy eating habits." The consultation is open to parents, teachers, suppliers, and young people.
Leader Live
19-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Ysgol Bryn Tabor pupils learn about healthy eating
The food that can be served in schools is changing so that every child in Wales has access to a balanced diet in school. Welsh Government has launched a consultation seeking views on the proposals which will see primary school menus increase fruit and vegetables, helping more Welsh children get their five-a-day, and limit sugary desserts, and fried foods, in line with UK dietary guidelines. The new proposals will ensure children are offered nutritionally balanced school food and drink, and that healthy eating is promoted in schools with the aim of improving health, wellbeing and attainment. The evidence shows that, on average, children eat too much sugar and don't eat the recommended amounts of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains. This contributes to health issues such as childhood obesity and currently one in four reception-aged children are categorised as overweight or obese. Action is being taken across the Welsh Government to make the healthy choice the easy choice. The Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales strategy committed the Welsh Government to reviewing the regulations on school food nutrition which apply in all maintained schools in Wales. Now that the roll out of universal primary free school meals in Wales has been completed, the Welsh Government is fulfilling this commitment, starting with primary schools. Pupils at Ysgol Bryn Tabor (Image: NQ staff) To mark the proposals, on Friday (May 16), pupils at Ysgol Bryn Tabor in Coedpoeth were given a lesson on the importance of healthy eating. Lynne Neagle, cabinet secretary for education, said: 'Good nutrition is vital for helping young people perform at their best - whether in the classroom, on the pitch, or pursuing their goals. Our evidence-based changes to school food rules will help give Welsh children the best start in life while supporting Welsh producers and nurturing a generation of healthy eaters to safeguard the future of our NHS. "Schools and catering teams across Wales are already working hard to provide nutritious meals for our children and young people. We want to build on the good work already happening to further ensure every child in Wales has access to healthy food. "This is why I want to hear from parents, teachers, suppliers, and young people. By working together, we can create school food standards that work for everyone - supporting our children's health today and for their future.' MOST READ: Rachel Bath, consultant in Public Health for Public Health Wales, said: 'Public Health Wales welcomes these proposals for primary schools. We know from the evidence that school food standards can positively impact children's health and wellbeing when used alongside a range of approaches. "Strengthening these regulations is a vital step to ensure school food supports lifelong healthy eating habits. We know there is work to do to give all children access to nutritious meals alongside food education and positive dining experiences. "These changes not only support children's health but also contribute to a more sustainable food system and local economy. With continued collaboration and clear oversight, school food can be a powerful driver of long-term health and well-being in Wales.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
19-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Healthy food for schools: New proposals to improve children's diets
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has this week launched a public consultation on new school food regulations aimed at improving children's health and well-being by ensuring all pupils have access to nutritious meals. The proposed changes focus on increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in primary school meals and reducing the availability of sugary desserts and fried foods. The plans align with UK dietary guidelines and are part of a broader strategy to promote healthy eating habits from an early age. Evidence shows that many children in Wales consume too much sugar and not enough fruit, vegetables, or wholegrains. This imbalance contributes to childhood obesity, with one in four children starting school already overweight or obese. These new proposals support the Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales strategy and follow the completion of the rollout of universal free school meals for all primary pupils. They mark the next phase in the Government's commitment to making the healthy choice the easy choice. Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: 'Good nutrition is vital for helping young people perform at their best – whether in the classroom, on the pitch, or chasing their dreams. Our evidence-based updates to school food rules will give children the best start in life, support Welsh food producers, and nurture a generation of healthy eaters to safeguard the future of our NHS. 'Schools and catering teams across Wales are already working hard to provide nutritious meals. I want to build on that progress and hear directly from parents, teachers, suppliers and young people. By working together, we can shape food standards that benefit every child in Wales – both now and in the future.' Rachel Bath, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Wales, added: 'Public Health Wales welcomes these proposals for primary schools. Evidence shows that robust food standards in schools can have a lasting positive impact on children's health and well-being. Strengthening these regulations is a vital step toward building lifelong healthy eating habits. 'These changes not only benefit children's health but also support a more sustainable food system and local economy. Through collaboration and oversight, school food can become a powerful tool for improving public health in Wales.'
