Healthy eating to be spotlighted at Waterford family fun day
Pictured is Maria Chester (Community Food and Nutrition Worker) "Representing the Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre in Waterford which is one of 28 community projects to be awarded a share of €1.5 million of Safefood Community Food Initiatives funding, to positively influence the eating habits of people in low-income communities across the island of Ireland..
The annual Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre (SHFRC) Family Fun Day is to take place on Saturday, 22 August 22 from 12pm at the Williamstown Sports Complex.
The Family Fun Day brings together families from the Sacred Heart area for an afternoon of fun, healthy activities and community connection.
There will be a showcase of the local clubs, organisations and support services available to families.
The event is delivered in partnership with local organisations, including Erin's Own GAA, St. Joseph's AFC and De La Salle Waterford, alongside a range of agencies and services.
It is funded through the Safefood Community Food Initiatives (CFI) Programme, Waterford City and County Council, Buíon Phort Láirge, Treo Port Láirge and Healthy Waterford.
Community Food & Nutrition Worker for Waterford, Maria Chester, will host a healthy eating stand throughout the event.
Visitors can enjoy healthy snack samples, watch live demonstrations and pick up recipe cards.
"The day will help families to engage with healthy eating messages, wellbeing supports and local services in a relaxed and approachable environment. It also provides an opportunity for local organisations to work together and strengthen referral pathways for families who may benefit from additional support," said Ms Chester.
Ms Chester will also host Cook Along with Maria in September.
The programme is a practical, family-focused healthy cooking project designed to support families with primary school-aged children, particularly families whose children attend DEIS schools.
"We hope we can make healthy cooking feel achievable, affordable and enjoyable. Families will be encouraged to take part through free weekly food packs, recipe cards and step-by-step cooking guidance," said Ms Chester.
Maria is also running the Growing Healthy Futures programme.
This eight-week programme supports 10 families with a bag of fresh, locally grown vegetables weekly, along with recipes and nutrition tips.
"Participants are encouraged to send photos of the meals they prepare using the vegetables, which helps promote engagement and allows everyone to share ideas and recipes throughout the programme," said Ms Chester.
To learn more about Cook Along with Maria, please call 051 306728, check out SHFRCW's Facebook page for updates (Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre Waterford) or visit the Community Buildings, Richardson's Meadow, Old Tramore Road, Co. Waterford, X91 DNY0.
