Focus on nutrition and physical activity in annual programme

More than 350 primary and secondary age children registered to attend this year's Food and Fun Programme, between July 22 and August 8.

Participating in the programme again this year were: Ysgol Bryn Garth, Ysgol Bryn Gwalia, Queensferry Primary School, Ysgol Treffynnon, St David's High School, Flint High, Argoed High, Ysgol Pen Coch and Ysgol Maes Hyfryd, both special schools in Flint, and Golftyn Primary and Connah's Quay High, ran the programme for the first time.

Taking part in Food and Fun Programme across Flintshire schools this summer.

Now in its sixth year, the Food and Fun Programme is delivered by Flintshire County Council in partnership with the Welsh Local Government Association, Aura Leisure, NEWydd Catering, Flintshire play development team and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The children were offered a variety of engaging activities focusing on nutrition, physical activity and positive wellbeing during the 12 days that the programme ran. Each day a healthy breakfast and snack was provided by Food and Fun staff, whilst a hot lunch was prepared by NEWydd Catering.

Read more: Food and fun on the menu for school's summer holiday club

Staff at each setting planned varied timetables, a wide range of enrichment activities were offered including Xplore science, forest school, yoga, mindfulness, Twig Twisters and a bubble man. Pupils attending also enjoyed physical activity sessions, learnt about nutrition and healthy diets, gained new cookery skills and enjoyed food tasting sessions. North Wales Police also visited settings, offering pupils the opportunity to sit in the police van, try on uniform and chat with officers. This year Wall-Lag (Wales) Ltd donated 400 reusable water bottles for the children attending the programme.

Taking part in Food and Fun Programme across Flintshire schools this summer.

Feedback from the children who attend this year confirms Food and Fun has a positive impact on their wellbeing, some comments captured during the programme include:

• I loved doing gymnastics because I learned how to do a handstand.

• My favourite thing was trying different food.

• I have never tried watermelon before, that was my favourite.

• The food was the best in the world.

• The favourite activities this year included the bubble man, Xplore and dodgeball and the most popular meal was the Chicken curry followed closely by ham and cheese calzone pocket.

Over the three weeks, staff and pupils welcomed Flintshire County Council members who were invited to the settings to see firsthand the impact the programme is having on families in their community, members of the WLGA also visited settings.

Taking part in Food and Fun Programme across Flintshire schools this summer.

Approximately 200 parents, carers and siblings were also welcomed to attend for weekly lunches with staff and pupils. During the third week of the programme, four schools provided a food bag for families which included a range of ingredients to encourage cooking over the holidays.

Read more: Flintshire primary school praised for 'safe, happy and caring' environment

Feedback captured on designated graffiti boards at each school included:

"This has been brilliant for the children. They have thoroughly enjoyed the external activities and learning about different meal choices and the importance of balanced nutrition. Thanks so much!"

"L has really enjoyed trying new things, being a fussy eater, this has been really helpful. Staff have been amazing, and activities have also been fab. Thank you to all the staff",

Mared Eastwood, Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language and Culture said: "Thank you to all the partners for working together to put on Food and Fun. Schemes like this are great for our communities, and its lovely to see so many of our young people and families benefiting from them."