Food for Life Walsall launches SUGAR SMART to combat high sugar diets

Launching this summer, SUGAR SMART Walsall is coordinating efforts to combat high sugar diets and help the town become Sugar Smart. 

So far, Food for Life Walsall has positively impacted over 16,000 Walsall schoolchildren, and now the programme is moving beyond the school gates to embed a good food culture in the wider community. Food for Life Walsall has launched a brand new campaign which will encourage people to think about their sugar consumption through information sharing, pledges and activities to reduce sugar consumption. 

The campaign has kicked-off with a focus on leisure centres, restaurants and attractions – all places where sugar consumption can be surprisingly high. A 250ml energy drink can contain over 27g of sugar – that’s 91% of an adult’s daily recommended intake, or 114% of a 10-year-olds. 

SUGAR SMART Walsall is calling on local businesses, retailers, leisure providers, workplaces, childcare providers, schools, and council buildings to pledge action to reduce sugar consumption in Walsall. This could be a challenge to give up fizzy drinks, a commitment to ditch the office cakes and celebration treats, or to have free water clearly available to discourage opting for sugary drinks. 

Those who pledge will receive resources to promote their work and will be featured in case studies and news stories. Residents can make their own SUGAR SMART pledges at their local SUGAR SMART community centres, sports centres, restaurants and schools where they will find pledge cards and information on SUGAR SMART Walsall challenges. Pledges can also be made on twitter tagging @FFLWalsall or by emailing walsallffl@soilassociation.org 

Maple Tree Nursery and Pre-school, who this month achieved their Food for Life Early Years Award for the second time, have officially kicked off the SUGAR SMART Walsall campaign. Maple Tree have made pledges to provide healthy and balance meals and snacks and to educate their families about healthier lifestyles. Maple Tree will be providing monthly oral health information to parents as well as giving out tooth-brushing sets to all children to take home.