Irish Childhood Obesity: New Nutrition Programme ‘FoodSteps’ Targets Healthy Habits

The rising global prevalence of childhood obesity is a growing public health concern, with a recent UNICEF report highlighting that, for the first time, obesity rates among school-aged children have surpassed those of malnutrition. In Ireland, this trend is mirrored, with approximately one in five primary school students currently classified as overweight or obese. Recognizing the need for updated and engaging educational approaches, nutrition expert Michelle Farrell has launched “FoodSteps,” a hands-on program designed to empower young children with the knowledge and skills to make informed food choices.

Farrell, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science and Health and a Master of Science in Food Science Research from the University of Limerick, identified a critical gap in primary school curricula regarding nutrition education. “I feel that in primary schools right now there isn’t a structured nutrition education,” she explains. She observed that existing programs were often outdated and failed to address contemporary issues such as the proliferation of ultra-processed foods, evolving food labeling practices, and the introduction of hot school meals.

FoodSteps distinguishes itself from traditional nutrition education methods by prioritizing interactive learning. Rather than relying on lectures or videos, the program utilizes games, movement, and open discussion to engage children and foster a positive relationship with food. Farrell’s approach focuses on practical skills, such as identifying whole foods versus processed options, understanding food labels, and developing mindful shopping habits.

“I show them whole foods versus processed foods, how to identify them and things like shopping skills and labelling to teach them what’s normal,” Farrell states. A key component of the program is the emphasis on removing judgment from food choices. “I also look at building positive relationships with food, so telling children that you shouldn’t be saying ‘good’ and ‘bad’ food, that all foods fit,” she explains. The curriculum also incorporates lessons on gut health, a topic often overlooked in primary school education.

The program’s flexibility is another key feature. FoodSteps offers a range of program lengths, from single-day workshops to more comprehensive four, six, or eight-week courses. This adaptability allows schools to tailor the program to their specific needs and resources.

One of the significant benefits of FoodSteps is that Farrell personally delivers the sessions, alleviating the burden on already overstretched teachers. She points out that many existing programs rely on teachers to implement the materials themselves, which can be challenging for educators lacking specialized expertise. “In other programmes the materials and resources are given to teachers and then it’s up to them to do it themselves and if they’re not experts in that area, they mightn’t know themselves what they’re teaching the kids,” she says. Her direct involvement ensures consistency and accuracy in the delivery of the curriculum.

Initial feedback from children participating in FoodSteps has been overwhelmingly positive. Farrell notes that the interactive nature of the program effectively captures their attention and encourages engagement. “They’ve all been so excited to talk about it and what they’ve been eating, but it’s also been interesting to see that some children don’t have any background knowledge,” she observes. The use of games, particularly for younger children, has proven particularly effective in fostering learning and participation.

While still in its early stages, FoodSteps has already been implemented in schools across Dublin, Kildare, and Laois. Farrell is actively seeking to expand the program’s reach and develop additional resources for both students, parents, and teachers. Her long-term vision is to see FoodSteps integrated into the standard curriculum of all Irish primary schools.

“I’d love it if it was something that was properly rolled out and taken on in all schools,” Farrell says. She also envisions creating resources to support parents and teachers in promoting healthy eating habits at home and in the classroom. “I want to start doing more resources, not just for kids but for the parents and teachers themselves, to help them in doing their kids’ lunches or teach them how to understand food because some have said that they feel like they can’t handle it all themselves,” she adds.

Schools interested in learning more about FoodSteps can contact Michelle Farrell at FoodSteps.ie@gmail.com or by phone at 087 146 8164.

Ireland’s national Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016-2025, “A Healthy Weight for Ireland,” acknowledges the significant problem of obesity and overweight in the country and outlines a multi-agency approach to address the issue. Measures implemented under this plan include the evaluation of the sugar-sweetened drinks tax, public health campaigns promoting healthy food environments, the development of updated Healthy Eating Guidelines for various age groups, and the establishment of a HSE Model of Care for the Management of Overweight and Obesity. These initiatives, alongside programs like FoodSteps, represent a concerted effort to combat the rising rates of childhood obesity and promote healthier lifestyles for future generations.