Tag: food

World Food Day: Teaching Children About Food and Nutrition

World Food Day, celebrated on October 16th, is an opportunity to teach children about the importance of healthy eating, where food comes from, and how to make sustainable food choices. It’s a day to appreciate food and understand the impact of food production on the environment and our health. Here’s how you can celebrate World Food Day with your children and inspire them to make mindful choices

Introduction

World Food Day, celebrated on October 16th, is an opportunity to teach children about the importance of healthy eating, where food comes from, and how to make sustainable food choices. It’s a day to appreciate food and understand the impact of food production on the environment and our health. Here’s how you can celebrate World Food Day with your children and inspire them to make mindful choices.

1. Explore Different Cuisines

Introduce children to different cuisines from around the world by trying new recipes together. Use this opportunity to talk about the origin of each dish, the culture it comes from, and the ingredients used. This helps children appreciate the diversity of food and learn about global cultures.

2. Start a Small Garden or Visit a Local Farm

If possible, start a small herb or vegetable garden at home. Involving children in growing their own food teaches them where food comes from and the effort that goes into producing it. Alternatively, visit a local farm to see food production in action and pick fresh produce.

3. Cook Together Using Seasonal and Local Ingredients

Cooking together is a great way to bond and teach children about seasonal eating and choosing local ingredients. Discuss the benefits of eating seasonal produce and how it supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of food transportation.

4. Reduce Food Waste

Teach children about the importance of reducing food waste. Get creative with leftovers, involve them in planning meals, and discuss ways to use up fruits and vegetables that are starting to spoil. It’s a valuable lesson in sustainability and resourcefulness.

5. Encourage Mindful Eating

During meals, encourage children to eat mindfully by focusing on the taste, texture, and smell of the food. Teach them to appreciate each bite and avoid distractions like screens during mealtimes. Mindful eating promotes a healthier relationship with food.

Conclusion

World Food Day is a wonderful opportunity to educate children about food, nutrition, and sustainability. By exploring different cuisines, cooking together, and practicing mindful eating, we can raise children who appreciate food and make healthier, more conscious choices.

Food allergens and nannies

As of December last year businesses providing food, which includes childcare providers, have to give information about the allergens in the food they provide. This applies not only to home-made food but also pre-prepared food bought and served when out and about. In practice children are unable to make their own decisions about avoiding allergens so it’s important to communicate with parents about foods to avoid, what you will be serving, and when their children have consumed allergens.

The legislation applies to 14 allergens:

  • Celery (this includes celeriac)
  • Cereals which contain gluten such as wheat, rye and barley
  • Crustaceans (eg crab, lobster and prawns)
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Lupin beans/seeds
  • Milk
  • Molluscs (shellfish, snails, squid etc)
  • Mustard
  • Nuts eg almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecan nuts or pistachio
  • Peanuts
  • Sesame
  • Soybeans
  • Sulphur dioxide/sulphites (a type of preservative) above 10mg/kilo or litre.

Nannies tend to cook food that parents provide, so the parents should be aware of which allergens are available for consumption. It’s worth noting down in a communication diary what allergens were contained in the food consumed that day. Similarly if eating out inform the parents what allergens were present in writing, so make a habit of noting down food information when out and about.

 

NB Self-employed nannies, as a business, do have a responsibility to provide this information, like nurseries and childminders.