New research reveals parents need more education on children’s nutrition
British parents are unsure of what makes a healthy diet and lifestyle for their children, according to new research.
Most are confident their children already get a good diet but 30 per cent reported their kids don’t get enough variety in their diet, 29 per cent admitted their children are not active enough and more than one in ten (11 per cent) believe their kids don’t get enough dairy.
Parents’ gaps in understanding have been revealed by new insights from dairy cooperative, Arla.
More than eight in ten surveyed admitted they don’t know how much calcium their children need, with the research revealing a lack of understanding about nutrition.
Just 22 per cent admitted their kids regularly achieved their recommended dietary allowances while 40 per cent ten in four admit their kids don’t hit their five-a-day target.
“There’s a lot of information out there and it can be hard for parents to know what they can trust, but I share the belief if we start to educate kids while they’re young, we’re helping to set them up to make the best possible choices as they grow up,” said nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert.
To help tackle the issues around nutrition education, one Arla farmer, Jonny Burridge and his cow Jelly, are on a mission to help parents and children understand more, alongside registered nutritionist, Rhiannon Lambert.
Launching their first book last year to share sustainable farm experiences with families, their second book – Jonny and Jelly Go from Strength to Strength – focuses on nutrition and educating the whole family on a well-balanced diet.
“What an honour for Jelly and me to be involved in a second book, this time to help children and their families understand nutrition,” said Burridge.
“Jelly is of course the star of the show and has helped to immerse kids in farming and the wonderful outdoors throughout her life.
“She’s actually met over 50,000 children in her lifetime, and made numerous visits to local schools, shows and events. I personally think of milk as one of nature’s nectars but, of course, I am biased.
“But I do know that dairy can play a really important role in a healthy and balanced diet and I really hope this book helps more children to learn about it.”
Arla’s Danny Micklethwaite added: ” Of the parents we surveyed, one in ten (11 per cent) said they didn’t know where to find information about children’s optimum nutrition, and they don’t trust any particular sources to educate them. This is something we feel we have a responsibility to help change. We are owned by over 2,300 farmers – all as passionate as Jonny about helping kids gain a good understanding of how their food gets in front of them and what it contains to help them fuel their bodies.”
To find out more, or download the book, visit www.arlafoods.co.uk/forward-thinking-dairy/jonny-and-jelly-go-from-strength-to-strength/. Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HN1EIOxbGZqQGFVFX7aQm