Nowa Nowa Pony Club has been boosting nutritious food and drink options for its 10 young riders as part of the state-wide Vic Kids Eat Well movement.
The club has added delicious and healthy options for its young riders and introduced fresh, home-cooked meals and healthy snack options. Young riders are now refuelling with veggie-loaded cottage pies, baked potatoes, pumpkin soup and salad rolls.
“Using good ingredients that are really fresh is the key,” Tamara French, who is treasurer and helps with marketing initiatives at Nowa Nowa Pony Club, said.
“The young riders have loved the changes. The sharing of food has created better friendships and a much more social environment.”
The club has also changed up the half-time snack, only offering fresh fruit. Kids are now enjoying cut oranges, apples and smoothies with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and in-season fruit.
Since implementing the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative after being approached by the Stephanie Alexander Foundation’s local representative, Nowa Nowa Pony Club has completed 4 Bites programs, including ‘refuel with fruit’, ‘switch to healthier snacks’, ‘switch to healthier drinks’, and ‘new healthier food options are introduced and promoted’.
“The Foundation gifted us a popcorn maker and big blender and the encouragement we have received has made it easy,” Ms French said.
“Our kids are all fantastic eaters as we have some very talented cooks that also double as parents. This encourages all of us to sit and enjoy a meal together.”
Ms French said that the changes made through Vic Kids Eat Well have created a positive impact within the community.
Some tips from Nowa Nowa Pony Club
What whole fruit is popular with kids? Bananas.
What other nutritious and tasty ingredients/fillings go into your smoothies? Greek yoghurt, chia seeds, any fruit that looks great when we shop like strawberries, blueberries or in-season mango.
Any ingredients that are flavour boosters? Try adding cinnamon to your smoothies for extra flavour without adding to the sugar content.
