Councils’ Healthy Heroes to help fight children’s diets

Tuesday 23 September 2025

The Healthy Heroes resource provides an engaging method of encouraging children to think about their diet by looking at the fruit and vegetables we eat, our sugar intake and hydration in a fun and interactive way.

The resource, which was reviewed by the Northern Health Social Care Trust’s Public Health Dietitians, includes a series of lesson planned activities for facilitators and a useful booklet for children.

The Healthy Heroes content was specifically designed to be used in any group setting where Primary aged children meet and can be easily adapted to fit the needs and schedule of groups.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “As part of Council’s commitment to improving the lives of our residents, this initiative addresses an essential element in the prevention of long-term health problems, raising awareness amongst our youngest citizens.

“With one in three children now classified as overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school, and only 18% of children consuming the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, we must do our part to encourage children to think about what they eat.

“This free resource will give locally based groups access to simple, interactive messages and activities to get our young children thinking about the importance of a healthy diet.’ 

The resource includes Healthy Heroes topics such as: Food safety; Sugar; Fruit and Vegetables; Hydration; Practical Food Preparation; and Use By Dates and Best Before Dates.

The resource is free to use and can be downloaded from our Healthy Heroes page.

A limited number of printed copies of the resource are available from Council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Team by contacting them at E: wellbeing@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or calling T: 028 2563 3394.