New local project aims to tackle problem of obesity in children

Children in the Acton area are cooking up healthy treats in a bid to buck the trend of obese youngsters.

Nearly 300 children from the South Acton Estate have so far been given the opportunity to learn how to make healthy meals for themselves and their families.

The children - who are sometimes as young as 5 years old - are introduced to a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, and are taught the importance of healthy eating. They learn how to make food from scratch using fresh ingredients - and they're also taught about nutrition, a balanced diet, health and safety in the kitchen and the importance of hygiene.

It's been made possible thanks to Ealing Neighbourhood Renewal Funding which has joined forces with the Kids Cookery School in Gunnersbury Lane.

The Kids Cookery School has been running for a number of years as a non-profit making registered charity providing 65% of their classes on a free and totally inclusive basis as well as running subsidised courses for children in the Borough of Ealing. Now the Renewal Fund is providing even more free and assisted places for disadvantaged youngsters. This year, 200 will benefit.

The Kids Cookery School Principal, Fiona Hamilton-Fairley, says, "The South Acton children have really benefited from attending KCS and their imaginations have been sparked by learning about healthy food in a fun and exciting environment. Our aim has been to empower them to look at their diets more closely and create delicious and healthy food for themselves".

Ealing's Neighbourhood Renewal Funding is managed by the Local Strategic Partnership.

July 9, 2004