Young people take part in Food and Fun programme

Almost 500 children and young people have taken part in a healthy eating scheme this summer.

Denbighshire School Holiday Enrichment’s Food and Fun programme saw eight schools keep their doors open for three weeks of the school holidays for those aged between 3 and 12.

Christchurch School and Ysgol Llywelyn, Rhyl; Rhyl High School; Prestatyn High School; Ysgol Penmorfa, Prestatyn; Ysgol Esgob Morgan, St Asaph;  Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn, Denbigh; and Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog all took part in the scheme.

Children enjoyed a healthy breakfast and a hot lunch provided each day by Denbighshire’s School Meal Service and Food and Fun focused on nutrition education, with children encouraged to try new foods and take part in practical food activities.

The scheme is funded through the Welsh Local Government Agency and run in partnership with Denbighshire County Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

The schools also provided extra activities including making tie dye t-shirts, mosaic tiles and stress balls while children took part in mindfulness sessions, dance and a variety of sports.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “Food and Fun has been very popular this summer, children have had opportunities to learn about leading a healthy lifestyle, been active over the holidays, many have made new friends and most importantly they’ve had fun.

“Partnership working has been key in the development of Food and Fun, structured sporting activities at each school were provided by Denbighshire Leisure, and play sessions were provided by Denbighshire’s Accessible Play Service.

“Schools took part in the summer reading challenge with the support of their local library, the school meals service provided healthy meals and BCUHB’s Dietetic team supported staff to gain qualifications and deliver quality nutrition lessons to the children.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in delivering Food and Fun for their hard work over the summer. It has been a huge success and we look forward to expanding to more schools next year.”