SUGAR FREE BROWNIES COULD INSPIRE THE UK

With growing concern about the amount of sugar children are eating the 1st Boothstown Brownie unit has swung into action.

They’ve spent six months developing a sugar smart badge, designed to teach children about making healthy choices. 

The badge will be rolled out to Brownie units across Salford. 

On Tuesday February 6 the group will become the first girls in the country to be presented with the badge by the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Peter Connor. 

The girls, all aged seven to 10, have been helped to develop the badge and workbook by Salford City Council, Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Salford Community Leisure as part of a public health drive to help people live well and stay active in Salford. 

Councillor Gina Reynolds, lead member for adult services, health and wellbeing said:

Quote

“This could be a real game changer. There are nearly half a million girls involved in Girlguiding and this badge will help them develop good eating and exercise habits for life. 

“Salford children have some of the worst tooth decay in the north west. Just over half of five year olds have decaying teeth and almost a quarter of reception age children were classified as overweight or obese. It’s essential we use every method we can to raise awareness of the dangers of eating too much sugar and health problems it can cause.”

GP Dr Wan-Ley Yeung, Salford CCG’s clinical lead for young people, said:

Quote

“Half of the sugar children consume each year comes from snacks and sugary drinks. Eating too much sugar can lead to harmful fat building up inside and serious health problems, including painful tooth decay, which no-one wants to see a child have to go through.”

Brownie Leader Caroline Potter said:

Quote

“It’s fantastic that our ideas and feedback have been used in this exciting project. It has really made the girls and their families think and make positive changes.” 

Grace, nine, one of the Brownies who worked on the badge said: “I am excited and proud to be one of the first Brownies in the country to receive the sugar smart badge. I’ve really enjoyed designing the badge at Brownies and I’ve learnt a lot about healthy eating.”