South West residents are being encouraged by the WA Country Health Service to eat five serves of vegetables with “Try for 5” during National Nutrition Week which runs from October 16-22.
Currently only about one in 10 South West residents, 16 years and older, eat enough vegetables daily as shown by WA Health and Wellbeing Surveillance System data (2011 – 2014).
The service’s senior health promotion officer Michelle Spargo said that ‘Try For 5’ aims to encourage more Australians to eat their five serves of vegetables every day, whether they are fresh, frozen or canned.
“Eating more vegetables is one of the easiest, cheapest, and tastiest things we can all do for better health and wellbeing,” Ms Spargo said.
“Although we all know that eating lots of vegetables is good for us, fewer than four percent of Australians actually do however, we consume over one third of our daily energy (kilojoules) from junk foods, sugary drinks and alcohol.
“National Nutrition Week is a great time to be inspired to eat well and feel great!”
Ms Spargo said the service would focus on nutrition activities at schools within the region during National Nutrition Week.
”As part of an Memorandum of Understanding between the WA Country Health Service and Foodbank WA, Food Sensations sessions will be taking place at various schools,” she said.
“These will aim to improve knowledge, attitudes and skills around nutritious foods focussing on healthy eating, food budgeting, safe food handling, food preparation and cooking skills.
“It is important to provide such programs to our community to encourage a healthy lifestyle.”
The first session will take place at Balingup Primary School where students, staff, parents, and volunteers will participate in nutrition education and cooking activities.
Other schools include; East Manjimup Primary School, Picton Primary School, and Bridgetown Primary School.
The WA Country Health Service will support Foodbank WA with their visits to Geographe Primary School, Capel Primary School and Maidens Park Primary School.