PhunkyFoods research

Prior to launching PhunkyFoods, it was identified that to be successful the programme had to start early in the educational cycle, be fun for the children, be sustainable over a period of time and encourage parental involvement. 

Recent research carried out by qualified nutritionists showed a real impact after six months. Carried out between January and July 2006, the research demonstrated that children’s awareness and knowledge of healthy eating messages increased and pupils were better able to identify the healthiest options from a range of meals and snacks.

• By following the lesson plans provided, children’s ability to identify healthier food choices increased by 34 per cent over a 6-month period.
• Children were better able to describe the importance of healthy eating after receiving the programme, using statements such ‘helps to get your bones stronger’ and ‘you can do more things if you’re not fat’ to describe its impact.
• The relevance and usefulness of the programme was confirmed with over 90 per cent of the schools stating that they used the teaching plan regularly every week. 
• Baseline data from parents at the start of the research revealed that children’s consumption of fatty and sugary foods was worryingly high at an average of 5.1 portions per day (where one to two is the Government’s recommended amount), whilst starchy carbohydrate consumption (bread, cereals, potatoes, etc) was low at 3.4 (where five is the Government’s recommended amount).  Small dietary changes would shift diets in a healthier direction and further research will monitor progress in this area.