Kohanga Reo bans "yucky" foods

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 315, 28 November 1989, Page 12

Kohanga Reo bans "yucky" foods

Waimarino Kohanga Reo are among those throughout New Zealand that are aiming to change the foods young people eat. The groups have banned foods like fizzy drinks, chocolate, ice cream and anything on a "yucky foods" list. The children are being supplied with savoury snacks and fruit at morning and afternoon breaks and soup and sandwiches at lunch times. Parents have been involved with the preparation of the healthy food in the

hope that the ideas will carry back to the home. Health Board people say so far the idea is a hit with the children and that an improvement in the general health of the children is already noticeable. Also taking an important place is the state bf the Kohanga Reo children's teeth and the children are being enrolled with the school dental therapists early. In the past teeth have been low priority but now parents are beginning to see the importance of dental health care, according to a health board newsletter. Each child has their own toothbrush and mothers are encouraged to go with their children to the dental clinic. The Kohanga Reo pays for any dental care costs involved.