Famous British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver openly embarrassed the British Government into reviewing the sugar and fat laden, unhealthy food served to children in primary and secondary schools. In 2006 the Government set nutrition based standards for all school children. Strangely no such standards exist in pre-schools and nurseries. A recent report in the British magazine “Nursery World” detailed research showing that foods such as chocolates, crisps (potato chips),candy, sweets, cakes, biscuits, hamburgers and chips, and sweet fizzy drinks (“soft drinks”) that are heavily restricted or banned in schools, are routinely served in some nurseries. Parents and nursery staff surveyed for the report expressed concern about the ”unregulated“ state of nursery food, with 85% of those surveyed wanting “clearer and more effective standards”. The report concluded that that no clear nutritional standards for nursery food” existed. Several countries including France, Italy, Austria and Denmark already apply such standards to safeguard the diet and health of their youngest children.

Why is the food served to your child so important? The food you feed your children will affect their health now and in the future. It also determines their energy levels, their physical performance and their sporting success. Their brains are also hungry for energy and nutrients so a healthy, varied diet will help them to grow up healthy, fit and full of energy.