Meals prepared with aroha

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The first in a series of Kai Atua healthy nutrition workshops was held at Tolaga Bay Area School with (from left) Tania Hill, Joelene Tuapawa, Daryl Crawford Joanne Atkins, Lulu Henry, Ira Ngerengere, Nicki Mathieson, Karauria Ratapu, Missy Tarei, Joan Patrick, Maree Sullivan and Raipoia Brightwell. Pictures by Alice Te Puni

A KAI Atua healthy nutrition workshop for people who want to make better food choices was held at Tolaga Bay last week.

The workshop is the first in a series for Gisborne, East Coast and Opotiki schools and communities.

Healthy Families East Cape manager Albie Stewart said the workshops are an important activity in the Kai Atua strategy, being developed by his team, to stall the rising rate of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

Te Tairawhiti has the highest rate of childhood obesity in the country at 25.1 percent, compared to 10.8 percent nationally, and 37.2 percent of adults in the Gisborne region are obese, he said.

“In 20 years these statistics will reach epidemic proportions and the life span of our children and mokopuna could be shortened by more than a decade.”

Mr Stewart said the community workshops are the first steps in the Kai Atua strategy to raise awareness about nutrition and good food choices.

Workshop participant Ira Ngerengere was impressed with the taste and simplicity of a sugar-free pudding that was whipped up at the workshop.

The sweet treat was made from fresh fruit and yoghurt.

“It goes to show how good food can be easily made and still be delicious. All you need is a little nutrition know-how.”

Applying new skills in the kitchenFellow Kai Atua champion Missy Tarei will be applying her newly acquired nutrition tips when cooking at home and in the kitchen at the marae.

Hauora Tairawhiti health promotion adviser and workshop tutor Nicki Mathieson says a shift in food values has occurred.

“Homemade meals prepared with aroha by our nannies have been replaced with processed ready-to-eat items in a packet.

“What was once a treat is now eaten on most days instead of the basic food items like sandwiches, fruit and vegetables.”

Mrs Mathieson encourages parents to make healthy kai choices for their children.

“Preparing nutritious lunch boxes takes a bit more time and planning but it is often cheaper and worth the extra effort to ensure the health and wellbeing of our tamariki.”

Mr Stewart said healthy school lunch boxes were fundamental goals for Kai Atua Kura, a flagship initiative designed specifically for schools through the Kai Atua strategy.

Kai Atua Kura’s collaborative impact approach ensures support, resources and expertise for schools from numerous sectors and services.

Plans to introduce Kai Atua Kura to 16 schools in Gisborne, the East Coast and Opotiki are scheduled for July.