Onslow Community News Leaping into good nutrition Encouraging healthy eating and physical activity is the key driver behind the Leaping Lizards program in Onslow, an important initiative designed to reduce and prevent chronic illness in the community. Early intervention is a key priority of the program, with children educated how to live well from an early age. Rather than teaching in the classroom, the program utilises the Onslow School Fruit & Vegetable garden to give children hands on experience with growing their own organic fruit and vegetables. Kids get to help grow the produce before enjoying the results of their hard efforts with cooking classes held at the school. The classes, led by the Leaping Lizards Onslow Program Coordinator, Denise Wright, teaches children how to prepare and cook healthy food, helping them discover how fun and delicious fresh produce can be. “It is great to be able to introduce children to healthy foods that they may not have tried before.
It’s amazing what they will eat, once they’ve tried it,” said Denise. “We made Kale fritters with the Year 1-2 class last year, which were basically kale held together with egg and spices, and they were very popular with the children.” Smoothies are also proving a popular part of the classes. “Smoothies are great, as they’re easy to make, and you can add so many different ingredients to them to make them nutritional,” explained Denise. “And the kids love them. I have had students asking me if we are going to be making them again.” In addition to healthy eating, children are encouraged to get moving to maintain their physical fitness. Denise currently holds yoga classes for children and adults; adult classes are held once a week on Tuesday nights at 6pm at the Multi-purpose Complex in Onslow while children’s classes are set to take place during school hours. The classes are proving extremely effective at promoting relaxation and wellbeing. Leaping Lizards also collaborates with the Shire’s Community Development team to develop exciting and interesting programs that keep kids occupied during school holidays. Another successful program is ‘Fish to Feed’, which teaches children how to fish and subsequently prepare a healthy meal. The program also promotes school attendance, with children invited to participate once they achieve 85% school attendance. The Shire would like to congratulate all those involved in the Leaping Lizards program.
It is great to be able to introduce children to healthy foods that they may not have tried before.
To enquire about the Leaping Lizards Onslow program, contact Denise Wright on 0427 993 410 or email denise.wright@ashburton.wa.gov.au
Page 18 | Inside Ashburton | March–April 2013