Meerilinga Young Children Foundation’s new Toddler Tucker program was officially launched today at Meerilinga’s Children and Family Centre at Beechboro with the enthusiastic help of David Wirrpanda and Shannon McGuire along with MLA David Kelly and local families and community members.
Footy legend and former West Coast Eagles champion, David Wirrpanda knows the importance of a healthy diet.
The father of two young energetic boys, David is discovering like many parents, that encouraging toddlers to eat healthy food can be challenging!
“My boys are always on the go – often too busy to sit and down eat a healthy meal,’ said David. “But my partner Shannon and I know, as parents, we can help our children develop good food habits that will keep them healthy for life.”
David and Shannon, through their Wirrpanda Foundation have supported Meerilinga Young Children’s Foundation, a registered WA children’s charity, in the development and promotion of the Toddler Tucker program. Toddler Tucker is a program to help families positively influence their toddler’s eating choices. ‘Toddler Tucker – Grow Us Up Strong’ is a healthy lifestyle promotional campaign designed and produced by Meerilinga Young Children’s Foundation in consultation with local community partners to provide resources, training and promotional materials to assist Indigenous parents and carers to develop healthy eating behaviours in their children aged 1 to 3.
“Positive early food experiences are the foundation for good nutrition throughout life,’ said Meerilinga’s Chief Executive Officer, Lesley Moreschi.
‘Toddler Tucker – Grow Us Up Strong’ is a family-friendly program developed with the aim to reduce the risks of poor dental health, obesity and chronic disease which are significant issues for Indigenous communities.”
Indigenous families in the regions of Swan, Cockburn and Beagle Bay, Broome will pilot the program initially with the aim to expand the benefits to thousands of families.