Students are learning about the role healthy eating and physical activity play in maintaining a healthy lifestyle thanks to a new program run by the LeasePlan Western Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs, in association with the Gould Group, invited eight primary schools to take part in the Health Lifestyle workshop at Burbank Oval in Williamstown.
Bulldog Tim Callan was on hand to share his insights into how the players remain fit and healthy while Bulldogs Dietician Louise Falzon, responsible for managing the players eating and drinking habits, spoke to the students about the benefits of healthy eating and regular physical activity.
“This workshop has been a great way to teach these children the importance of a healthy balanced diet and how eating a variety of vitamins and minerals helps keep their energy levels up,” Falzon said.
“They have also been introduced to the five food groups and been told the importance of monitoring the portion sizes of their meals.”
The program encourages students work with their gardening buddies (project volunteers) to create multicultural food gardens, growing fruit, vegetables and herbs from across the world.
Together they cook traditional dishes using the produce from their multicultural gardens and share stories and information about different cultures.
According to Gould Group Project Manager Jodie Robinson, English is the second language spoken by most of these students and the gardens initiative is a way for them to reconnect with others.
“The project provides real-life, practical learning experiences for students and celebrates the diverse and significant contributions of various cultures to multicultural Victoria,” she said.
“In turn, students mentor their buddies in English language development and communications technologies helping them to connect with others.”
The workshop is a component of the Gould Group’s Multicultural Schools Gardens project, another community scheme that the Western Bulldogs are proud to be associated with.
Western Bulldogs Community Manager, David Haynes, said the club was proud to have such a relationship with the Gould Group.
“Providing a range of community related programs such as this to the youth of the western region is very important. It’s terrific that both organisations can combine to help these children learn more about a healthy lifestyle,” said Haynes.
The Multicultural Schools Gardens project will continue throughout 2008, with vegetable planting and harvesting to take place in each of the 40 schools across the state.
