Eat well, eat early message

IT IS crucial that parents provide nutritious meals for children during the earliest years of their childhood.
That’s the message that Mission Australia and commercial partner George Weston Foods were pushing to Greater Dandenong parents this week at the launch of the Healthy Lifestyles program in Noble Park.
The project will run at the Jan Wilson Community Centre and is part of a broader, national campaign to ensure that parents from any country, including Australia, understand the importance of good nutrition for their young children.
Mission Australia spokesperson Helen Ansems said Healthy Lifestyles would help many families in Greater Dandenong to improve their diets and give young children the start they need through healthy eating.
“There are so many positive elements to the program,” she said.
“Firstly, it gives parents – many of whom are new to Australia and are coming to terms with our language and diet – an introduction into the best food for them and their young children.
“The program will be delivered by peer educators and playgroup leaders in more than eight languages.
“Secondly it’s a wonderful point of social contact.
“Many of the families we help are isolated as a result of language barriers, unemployment or a range of other reasons.
“Keeping them connected with each other and the community helps us tackle the other challenges they may be facing.”
For more information, or to become involved, phone Helen Ansems at Mission Australia on 9213 2500.