Agency launches tools for schools

Thursday 27 November 2008

The Agency has launched two new interactive teaching tools as part of its programme to ‘help young people to choose, cook and eat safe, healthy food’.

‘Myfoodspace’, is an interactive DVD that helps 9 to 11 year olds learn about food labels. Using the concept of a class party and four characters, the DVD guides young people through different games and exercises that teach them about food and food labels. Including a traffic light food labels game, recipes and video shoots, the DVD shows the characters producing their party food under the guidance of a chef. And there’s a teachers’ section with video information about front of pack labels and the eatwell plate, which shows the proportions of foods that make up a healthy diet.

‘Dish it up’, a CD for 11 to 12 year olds, shows how to make better food choices by taking young people through a virtual day of meals, split into breakfast, lunch and an after school club. Learners can make their food and lifestyle choices and get feedback on their decisions. The resource can also be used by teachers to help young people explore food safety, physical activity, energy balance and body image. The CD includes a glossary on common food and nutrition terms and the ‘Balance-a-tron’, a food choice game that is based on the Agency’s eatwell plate.

To find out more about these resources, and the Agency’s work with schools, go to the links below.