Including the nutrition initiatives executed at the
Dingwall Trust and their wider applications

Residential care and protection facility for
children and young people
o Family-style homes
o Up to 17 years

Care to independence service
(Launch)
◦ Community based support
◦ 15-20 years
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Health issues are increasing in our younger
generation
Environment + role models = dietary habits
Habits = health

Poverty  food insecurity:

Current NZ stats…
◦ Not enough food
◦ Not enough nutritious food
◦ Poverty impacts diet and is linked to poorer health
outcomes (1)
◦ Low income families are more likely to purchase
processed cheaper foods & starchy foods (2)
1.
Poverty, Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child. (2012). Solutions to Child Poverty in New Zealand: evidence for action.
2.
Wynd, D. (2011). Hunger for Learning: Nutritonal barriers to children's education. Auckland: Child Poverty Action Group Inc.
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Inadequate maternal diet
◦ Alcohol and substance abuse

Inadequate infant feeding
◦ Breastfeeding
◦ Diluted/improperly prepared infant formula

Lack of fortified foods
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Home stress
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Transitioning stress
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Tendencies to eat very quickly
Preferences for processed or takeaway
foods, often high in sugar
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Hoarding/stealing of foods
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Poor table manners across ages

Cultural foods
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Poor body image

Doesn’t want to eat – food aversions, bad feeding
experiences
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Create a safe food environment that they feel
comfortable in
◦ Don’t force feed
◦ Eat as a family around a table
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Reassurance around food

Rejection doesn’t mean they don’t like it
◦ Set regular meal times for children
◦ Visual cues: have a fruit bowl on the bench
◦ Remind them that food is abundant
◦ Don’t give up on foods
◦ Try new textures
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Hoarding food
◦ Don’t discipline
◦ Keep a fruit bowl out, avoid locks on food
cabinets, consider giving your child their own
shelf for snacks
◦ Stick to a routine with food
◦ Leave hoarded food if possible
Get them involved
◦ Ask them what they like and serve it up
◦ Helping with meal preparation

Size
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Responsibility to build healthy habits
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Inconsistencies in diet
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Increased risk for nutritional issues and
dietary habits
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Nutrition consulting
Menu planning – shopping and
recipe list
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Resources
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Development and supply of recipes
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Tracking changes in heights and weights
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Personal nutritional consultation
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Food education program
◦ Gardening and cooking lessons
Contact [email protected] to purchase
and support the program
Challenges:
• Limited budget
• Lack of cooking skills
• Lack of constant supervision
Practical approach works best with young people
• Preparing shopping lists – utilising what is already
in fridge/pantry
• Grocery shops
• Cooking – in batches to save money
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Nutritional risk factors common for children entering care

Very possible to change dietary habits
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Be mindful of the home food environment
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Make food budgeting a routine activity
◦ E.g. Poverty, inadequate diet, home stress, transitioning stress
◦ Persistence & understanding – dietary issues may be common
◦ Multifactorial approach – don’t give up
◦ Keep food environment safe and comfortable
◦ Role model, eat around a table
◦ Consider a home garden: fun, money saving, accessibility of produce
◦ Plan weekly menu – save time, money
◦ Check the pantry before food shop
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Get kids involved with food to help foster an interest
Gardening and cooking are great bonding activities