A national campaign that aims to help parents take control of their children’s diets by ditching sugary snacks and foods high in salt and fat is bringing its advice roadshow to Croydon on Thursday 23 February.
Public Health England’s ‘Be Food Smart’ event is touring the country for its Change4Life campaign. It will be located at Morrisons supermarket, 500 Purley Way, Croydon CR0 4NZ, as part of continuing efforts to tackle the UK’s child obesity epidemic.
Recent reports show that childhood obesity in London has reached alarming rates. Currently, 22% of four- to five-year-olds are overweight or obese and this increases to 38% in 10- to 11-year-olds .
Children in England consume almost three sugar cubes at breakfast time alone, which equates to half their recommended daily amount.
At the Morrisons event, residents will see live demonstrations of the new Be Food Smart app, which scans product barcodes to reveal just how much sugar, saturated fat and salt can be found in everyday food and drink, enabling parents to compare brands. The app also features food-detective activities for children and mini-missions that the whole family can enjoy.
Free Be Food Smart information packs will be handed out on the day, helping families to make the healthier choice at home.
Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet member for families, health and social care
“We welcome Change4Life’s Be Food Smart roadshow coming to Croydon. Too many parents are unaware of the dangers of consuming excess amounts of saturated fat and sugar.
“Childhood obesity is complex and there is not one single intervention that can reduce this issue alone. This is a national, regional and local priority and we’re doing lots of good work across the borough to tackle the problem. In particular we have the Food Flagship programme, as well as the School Food Plan and Healthy Schools programme.”
Croydon was chosen as one of 29 shopping centres and 40 supermarkets nationally to be visited by the Change4Life Be Food Smart roadshow.
