Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Healthy Eating - Healthy Action: Oranga Kai – Oranga Pumau?
Eating healthy food and being physically active are two of the most important things people can do for good health and well-being.

Healthy Eating - Healthy Action: Oranga Kai – Oranga Pumau (HEHA) is the Ministry of Health’s strategic approach to improving nutrition and increasing physical activity for all New Zealanders. Nationally, and within Taranaki, agencies, including the health, education and physical activity sectors, have been working together to develop a variety of projects to meet these goals. HEHA prioritises populations with high needs: children and young people, Maori, Pacific peoples, migrant and lower socioeconomic groups.

For further HEHA information see: www.heha.org.nz

Food and Beverage Classification System

The Ministry of Health developed the Food & Beverage Classification System (FBCS) to assist schools and ECES to identify foods and beverages appropriate for everyday consumption. In addition, the FBCS Product Registration Scheme has been developed, and continues to be a valuable resource for schools and ECES. Registered products are listed in the FBCS Buyers’ Guide that is distributed annually, and is also available online at www.everyday-sometimes.org.nz. The Buyers’ Guide takes the guesswork out of choosing foods and beverages that meet the FBCS, as registered products have been professionally assessed against the FBCS nutrient criteria and listed as either everyday or or sometimes choices.
A toll free help line - 0800 408 962 is also available to provide support to staff using the FBCS Buyers’ Guide or the FBCS resources.

Food and Nutrition Guidelines

The Ministry of Education’s “Food and Nutrition for Healthy Confident Kids” guidelines and toolkits were distributed in 2007. They cover the establishment of effective partnerships; effective teaching about food and nutrition; and guides to advertising, sponsorship, food-related events, using food as rewards, and role modelling.

Changes to Legislation regarding Food and Nutrition
From June 2008, a change to NAG 5 requires school Boards of Trustees to:

• Promote healthy food and nutrition for all students

Heart Foundation programmes for the Education Sector

The Heart Foundation’s nationwide Healthy Heart Award programmes provide public recognition of excellence in nutrition and wellbeing.

They align with the NZ Curriculum and provide:
• Highly credible content and free resources
• Specialist support in helping schools and ECES promote consistent ‘healthy eating’ and ‘physical activity’ messages
• Encouragement of community involvement.

The Heart Foundation Health Promotion Coordinator, Anne Berrie, can provide specialised nutritional advice for schools and ECES throughout the programme. Resources, guidance and support are provided to develop a whole community approach to a heart healthy environment.

For more information call Anne Berrie, Health Promotion Coordinator on (06) 758 2863, email: anneb@heartfoundation.org.nz or check the web: www.heartfoundation.org.nz

 

Last updated: Friday, August 10, 2012