A NEW healthy eating project, in which parents with young children are to be given cooking lessons, is to be trialled on the Isle of Wight.
The Isle of Wight is one of 12 areas selected by the School Food Trust to take part in the Eat Better, Start Better pilot project, to help families with pre-school age children budget for and cook healthy meals.
Following the launch of the project in September, sessions will be held at children's centres and nurseries to help families plan and prepare healthy and affordable meals.
The Isle of Wight Council is providing £4,000 to support the project, to train children's centre staff and volunteers to run the nine courses over the year.
Cabinet member for children's services and education, Cllr Dawn Cousins said: "There is no doubt a healthy diet is a key factor in a child’s development. This course is about helping parents plan and prepare healthy and affordable meals at a time when many families are under financial pressures.
"I am delighted our network of excellent children’s centres are at the heart of this very worthwhile initiative. It demonstrates the comprehensive range of services available to residents at these eight centres."
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk