Family Food Patch aims to improve the nutrition and physical activity knowledge
and skills of parents of young children by training peer educators (Family Food Educators)
from communities throughout Tasmania. The term "peer educator" refers to someone
who shares characteristics of his or her peers but receives special training to provide
information back to their community.
What do Family Food Educators do?
Family Food Educators promote good nutrition and physical activity in their local
community and are able to share knowledge and experiences with other parents. They
can do this in a variety of formal and informal ways.
Some ways educators have worked in the past:
- Discussing children's food issues with parents and friends, (but do not provide specific dietary advice)
- Discussing ways to get kids to become more physically active
- Working with schools to develop healthy canteen menus
- Putting up displays at childcare centres, schools, and community events
- Showing parents and children how to prepare and cook some healthy snacks and lunches
- Giving talks to parent and community groups
The Family Food Patch project is funded by the Tasmanian Community
Fund and is a partnership between the Child Health Association, Playgroup Tasmania,
Department of Health & Human Services and Eat Well Tasmania.
If you would like a Family Food Educator to talk to your community
group then download
the request form provided and send it back to Eat Well Tasmania.
Become a Family Food Educator
Family Food Educators are volunteers (usually parents) with an
interest in nutrition and children. Family Food Educators attend a free short
course in nutrition and physical activity and children, organised by the Family
Food Patch team. |
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The benefits of being a Family Food Educator vary depending
on the person, but can include:
- Developing confidence, skills and knowledge in the area of child nutrition
and encouraging physical activity
- Meeting other like minded people
- Feeling good about contributing to the health of young Tasmanians
Here are some quotes from current Family Food Educators:
' I think there's a fair need for it ..especially..the amount
of media pressure - on healthy eating and things like that, but it also tends
to be a very negative focus'
'Personally I think we all know we're doing this because we
know it's beneficial .'
'Now confident to open up a discussion about food'
'Loved it' 'Gives you a purpose' |
Want more information about becoming a Family Food Educator? Contact:
Family Food Patch Project
Telephone: (03) 6224 9198
Email:
