Essex preschool healthy eating report shown to Parliament

The Nourishing Our Future report, led by Anglia Ruskin University and commissioned by Essex County Council Public Health, was presented at an event focusing on health, obesity, and food culture in coastal communities.

Organised by the Obesity Health Alliance and hosted by MP Chris Webb, the event was attended by Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty, MPs including Sir Bernard Jenkin and leading health experts..

The report highlights critical challenges faced by coastal towns, such as high obesity rates and a high number of unhealthy food options.

The research found that more than two thirds (69 per cent) of children in Essex, where one in five young children are obese or overweight, bring lunchboxes to preschool.

However, these lunchboxes are often filled with processed food, unhealthy snacks, and baby food pouches.

Parents and staff from Harwich Centre Preschool, who are part of the 67 Essex preschools involved in the research, attended the event to discuss the challenges they face in providing nutritious food.

They also shared innovative strategies they have adopted to improve children’s diets.

Anna Posolda, a parent at the preschool, said: “When my son started nursery, I looked for healthy lunchbox products.

“Unfortunately, I made the same mistakes as most parents.

“Annmarie [the deputy manager of Harwich Centre Preschool] explored food with him, showed him where food came from and how it’s made.

“It changed his mindset completely.”

Dr Kay Aaronricks, head of the School of Education at ARU and lead author of Nourishing Our Future, said: “This Houses of Parliament event highlighted the unique challenges faced in coastal towns, and it was fantastic that staff and parents from Harwich Centre Preschool shared their experiences with MPs and policymakers.”

John Spence, Essex County councillor responsible for health and adult social care, said: “Harwich Centre Preschool is a wonderful example of what happens when the early years sector and parents prioritise food and nutrition and children’s health.

“We are proud of their continued dedication, and the other settings across Essex working towards their NOF awards.”