From camp to kitchen: The ‘secret weapons’ in poor nutrition fight

Barbados’ top medical professional says the island’s children are key in the fight against poor nutrition and catalysts for change in their households.

Dr The Most Honourable Kenneth George, the Chief Medical Officer, told the closing ceremony of the National Nutrition Centre’s nutrition summer camp that healthy eating was critical to tackling the high number of cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 

Dr George added that now that those who attended the camp had learned about the importance of healthy eating, they were in a position to encourage their parents to make better choices.

“Children are greater influencers, and it is hoped that what they learn from the camp can make changes to what goes on within the households with respect to cooking and eating,” the CMO told those gathered for the ceremony at the Frederick Smith Secondary School on Friday.

The two-week camp is designed annually to teach children the benefits of healthy eating and cooking, helping them to unravel the mysteries of balanced meals and uncovering the hidden dangers lurking in everyday foods, including high salt intake. (SB)

Some of the campers from this year’s National Nutrition Centre’s nutrition summer camp.