THE fight against cancer is headed to Greater Taree dinner tables, with a free Cancer Council NSW healthy eating program teaching parents about the importance of fruit and veg in family diets.
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It comes as Cancer Council-commissioned Australian-first research released in late 2015 found that one third of all cancers could be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, including eating well, being active and maintaining a healthy weight.
Alarmingly in Mid North Coast NSW, 88 per cent of adults don't eat enough vegetables, while 47 per cent don't eat enough fruit, NSW Health statistics show.
To help turn this around, the Eat It To Beat It program is recruiting parents for a free 90 minute Fruit and Veg Sense workshop at your local school.
The workshop is designed to help parents understand the importance of family members eating two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day to cut cancer risk.
Nutrition project officer Juanita Nantes said eating enough fruit and vegetables all their lives could help protect children from some forms of cancer and other diseases.
"Our workshops provide parents with ideas, skills and resources to help them include more fruit and vegetables in their family's diet," she said.
"Ensuring that kids have enough fruit and vegetables every day will contribute to a balanced diet and is a great way parents can teach their children healthy habits for life."
The Fruit and Veg Sense workshops offer parents of primary school aged children practical information and advice to build on their existing skills in preparing healthy family meals, with a focus on increasing fruit and veg intake across the day.
Easy ways to incorporate more fruit and veg in the family diet, menu planning, recipe modification, tips to save money, and clever ways to entice fussy eaters are covered. Participants also receive a free recipe book.
Registration for the free workshop is essential. For a local session near you or if you would like to organise a workshop at your school, please register no later than May 20, 2016 by phoning (02) 6639 1306 or go to eatittobeatit.com.au.