Principal wants healthier eating in children

In a bid to have students eat more nutritious meals, Anthony Garwood, vice-principal of Camperdown High School in Kingston, has called on concessionaires and vendors to become more health conscious about what they sell to the students.

Speaking at a nutrition exposition which was hosted by the Camperdown Alumni St Andrew Chapter (CASTAC) on Wednesday, he said it was imperative that students know the importance of eating healthily.

"Concessionaires sometimes make it difficult because sodas and fry chicken sell faster and most times you find that it is all about making money. We have to stand firm, however, as adults, in ensuring that our children know the significance of eating healthy," he told The Gleaner, at the event which was held on the school's ground.

"You can't separate academic success from healthy eating, the two go hand in hand. I want to implore parents and guardians to set an example and spread the message of proper nutrition. It is an issue that we have been grappling with but it (health) must become a priority," he declared.

Rainford Wint, first vice-president of CASTAC also said that more needs to be done to promote wellness among students.

"We realise that we have many students who, because of their economic background, in some cases are not exposed to balanced meals. Persons need to know, however, that being poor does not prevent you from practising good nutrition, all it requires is commitment," he said.