Government has launched the Barbados School Nutrition Policy Recognition Awards to encourage healthier school environments and help combat childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases across the island.
The awards aim to celebrate innovation, commitment and positive behavioural change, recognising the efforts of educators, civil society partners and international health agencies to safeguard the well-being of Barbadian youth.
Advisor for Non-Communicable Diseases at the Pan American Health Organisation Dr Taraleem Malcolm spoke about the regional and global importance of the initiative during the launch event on Wednesday.
From left: Nicole Elliot, Education Officer responsible for the School Nutrition Policy, Ministry of Education Transformation, Francine Charles, Programme Manager, Child Obesity Prevention, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Minister of Education Transformation Chad Blackman, Minister of Health and Wellness Senator Lisa Cummins, Dr Taraleem Malcom, Advisor NCDs, PAHO and Gaynelle Marshall, Communications Consultant Ministry of Education Transformation
“As one of the front-runner countries, Barbados has an important story to tell,” Dr Malcolm stated, noting that the country’s multi-sectoral approach serves as a model for international efforts.
“The work being done here, including the implementation of the nutrition policy, demonstrates the type of practical action that the WHO acceleration plan is intended to support.”
Dr Malcolm said addressing childhood nutrition is crucial for reducing the long-term burden of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.
Programme Manager for Childhood Obesity Prevention at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados Francine Charles explained the framework and objectives of the awards.
“These awards represent the true intent of the school nutrition policy, not primarily as a restriction or penalty-driven process, but as an encouragement towards true change and transformation in the health of our youngsters,” Charles explained.
She said the initiative focuses on improving the food environment and promoting physical activity beyond competitive sports.
Award categories cover nutrition compliance, alternative fundraising methods, water consumption initiatives and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among five stakeholder groups: schools, teachers, canteen vendors, civil society organisations and private sector companies.
Education Officer responsible for the School Nutrition Policy within the Ministry of Education Transformation Nicole Elliot discussed the evaluation process and its criteria, pointing to changes within the commercial sector.
“We had about 3 000 products that we evaluated the nutritional value of … We have multiple companies that have reformulated products that we would have considered unhealthy in years past, and they are now leading in innovation, with products that have limited sugar and sodium content.”
Elliot also outlined the incentives available to participating schools and other stakeholders, explaining that successful entrants would receive essential school supplies and specialised equipment suited to their needs.
The awards also include financial vouchers of up to $1 200 for leading categories, giving schools and other recipients additional resources to continue their health-promoting efforts and improve their campuses.
Elliot said schools, parent-teacher associations and vendors have been invited to submit their entries and supporting evidence by November 11.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 7 at the Hilton Barbados.
(RR)
