Pupils across the county have been awarded for doing their bit to develop healthy eating habits that will influence a wholesome lifestyle they can reap the benefits of in the future.

A major initiative led by the Western Health and Social Care Trust's Health Promotion Department, the Munch Box Challenge aims to promote healthy eating habits and to improve oral health amongst primary school children. 110 primary schools in the Western area have been awarded for their participation in the 'Munch Box Challenge'.

Speaking at the Award Ceremonies, Avril Morrow, Health Promotion Officer with the Western Health and Social Care Trust, said: " It is encouraging to see that almost 60% of schools in the west have adopted this initiative, as healthy eating habits among children and young people contributes to growth and development in the short term and is an investment in their health for future years".

She continued: "Trying to change young peoples eating habits is not an easy task, therefore the participating schools are to be congratulated for taking part in this initiative. Early education is a key element, as eating patterns established in childhood usually follow through into later life and schools are in an ideal position to promote a healthy balanced diet throughout the school day".

The Healthy Munch Box Challenge provides schools with information to distribute to parents, so that they can pack a lunch, which is nutritious, tasty and attractive, and make an informed choice about the food they are sending with their children to school. The challenge aims to change the content of lunch boxes to include a healthy food portion from each of the four main food groups and reduce fat, sugar and salt content. Schools and parents have been extremely supportive of the challenge which to date has affected approximately 10 000 lunchboxes.

Assessment of the schools proved that the Challenge is extremely successful with 100% of schools participating, observing a positive change in the content of the children's lunch boxes.

With the increase in obesity levels in children within the Western area, it is anticipated that this initiative will contribute to the government target of halting the rise in obesity levels by 2010.