DVD gang boosts healthy eating

Oct 10 2008

The launch of a DVD promoting healthy eating amongst primary school children has been brought to life by the 'Go Fresh Gang'.

Six exciting characters - Alan the Apple, Becky the Broccoli, Sally the Strawberry, Gaz the Grape, Colin the Carrot and Pete the Potato - were created to help keep up the momentum of getting the healthy eating message across to children from across South Lanarkshire in an exciting, fun and interactive way.

The key feature of the DVD is that its interactive nature allows it to be used as an educational tool either at school or at home to encourage children to choose the healthy option.

Working with the council's Facilities Service and Arts Development teams, the DVD was created by four primary schools, one from each of South Lanarkshire's geographical areas, who took part in a six week project involving workshops in music, dance, drama and animation. The costumes were designed by visual artist Brian Love, the script by playwright, Martin Travers, and a theme tune by David Scott.

And the highlight in the making of the DVD for most of the children was the Karaoke version of the Go Fresh Gang theme tune which appears at the end of the film and features footage of the making of the film itself.

Councillor Gerry Convery, the chair of the council's Community Resources, said: "The increasing level of obesity in school age children, including cases of mature onset diabetes, has raised awareness of the need to work hard to put an end to unhealthy eating patterns.

"The production of this interactive film is a wonderful way to reach out to our young pupils and teach them that healthy eating leads to a healthy body and healthy mind."

Following the October school holidays, a class in each of the 120 primary schools in South Lanarkshire will get one of the workshops in music, dance, drama or animation to suit their age group.

The DVD was created to build on the success of the Hungry for Success programme which was first introduced into South Lanarkshire's primary schools in 2004 which encouraged pupils to try foods such as home made soups, fresh vegetables and fruit - things they may never have tried before but discovered were really quite tasty.

At least two portions of vegetables and two portions of fruit were made available every day on the dining room menus to encourage the pupils to eat the recommended 'five a day'. Chips were only available once a week and processed 'fast food' items were removed from menus.

Councillor Convery added: "Healthy eating is now at the centre of the Scottish health improvement agenda and the transformation in school meals demonstrates that councils can make a direct and practical contribution.

"South Lanarkshire Council is committed to ensuring that every school pupil is given the best possible start towards enjoying a healthier lifestyle."