Why good nutrition is important
Good nutrition is essential during childhood, as it is a time of rapid growth, development and activity. This is also a vital time for healthy tooth development and prevention of decay. General eating habits and patterns are formed in the first few years of life, so it is important that the food and eating patterns to which young children are exposed - both in and outside the home - are based on good nutrition.

The role of fruit and vegetables in a healthy balanced diet is well recognised. They are valuable between-meal snacks as alternatives to confectionery and crisps. They also have an important role in protecting against several major health problems that affect Northern Ireland, including heart disease and cancer. Experts recommend that we eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

Eating patterns among children in Northern Ireland
Recent research indicates that there is much that can be improved about eating patterns among people of all ages in Northern Ireland.

The Health Promotion Agency's Eating for Health? survey published in 2001 highlighted that children here are high consumers of snacks that are high in fat and/or sugar. For example, more than two out of five boys and almost half of girls aged 5-11 years were reported to eat confectionery at least once a day.