NCT Watch

In response to a written question from Jim Cunningham MP regarding the government’s plans to improve the diet of children aged one to four, Dawn Primarolo drew attention to a range of measures included in the government’s recently published obesity strategy, “Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives”.

The programme focuses in particular on the early years including: maternal nutrition, encouraging breastfeeding and supporting healthy weaning and healthy diets in young children. A National Breastfeeding  Helpline was  launched  recently as part of teh strategy.

In addition, through the Healthy Start Scheme, the Department provides advice on healthy eating and vouchers to low-income families with children under the age of four years, that can be exchanged for milk, fresh fruit, vegetables or infant formula. A range of key publications are also made available to mothers which includes advice on healthy eating, breastfeeding, weaning and “Feeding your Toddler”.