New healthy eating initiative introduced for local sports clubs

The Health Improvement Commission has launched a new campaign, ‘Food 4 Sport’, to promote health and wellbeing among Guernsey’s thriving sporting community.

Food 4 Sport aims to support clubs to empower their members to make healthier choices – providing guidance, advice and working with them every step of the way. All clubs – big or small can get involved in healthy eating, whether it’s a club with a small tuck shop run by volunteers, a vending machine, or a full-service restaurant and bar. 

As part of the campaign, the Commission has developed a ‘Healthy Clubs Canteen Toolkit’ - packed with resources and information to kick-start sports clubs’ Food 4 Sport journey.  Many of the resources in this toolkit are based on the latest evidence and have been trialled by global experts.

In addition to the toolkit, the Commission will be working with clubs to implement changes - supporting key stakeholder engagement and buy-in, helping to get a team of volunteers in place to lead the change, and signposting to suitable suppliers.  

Tanya Dorrity, the Health Improvement Commission’s Eat Well Specialist, said: “Sports clubs play a fantastic role in helping people to be active and feel connected to their local community. But as well as being places to share a passion for sport, grassroots clubs play an influential role in their members’ health and wellbeing – both on and off the field.

“We know that for some people, food is a big part of the sport experience, so our aim is not to lose this tradition, but rather help clubs make subtle changes to improve the nutritional value of their offering– for example, 50/50 wholemeal rolls, high-quality lean meat, and low salt and sugar ketchup.”

The Commission has already started supporting the grassroots football club Sylvans. With guidance from the Food 4 Sport toolkit, the Club has made small changes to their clubhouse canteen to help its members stay fit and well, including the introduction of homemade soup and fruit skewers for the players and spectators.

Di Simon, club volunteer at Sylvans said, “We appreciate the support the Commission has given us; it has been really helpful in making positive changes to our offering. Our members are enjoying the new food choices. I would encourage all other clubs to get involved in this great initiative.”

You can find more information about Food 4 Sport on the Commission’s website, or clubs can contact Tanya directly at Tanya.Dorrity@healthimprovement.gg.