News

Fit and Fed is a national StreetGames initiative that seeks to counter holiday hunger, physical inactivity and social isolation.

Local activation of this national campaign has involved the creation of a Hertfordshire-specific programme which focuses on healthy eating, sport and physical activity, and improved literacy – Fit, Fed and Read.

Children who attended the programme were served a hot meal, prepared and cooked by HCL, who also provide education catering facilities to over 450 schools, academies and colleges around the county.

Ian Hamilton, chief executive of HCL, said: “For some children this may be their only hot meal for the day, so it’s important we continue providing lunches throughout the school holidays and encourage nutritious, balanced diets. We hope the workshops will have a lasting effect on the children and their eating choices beyond the school holidays.”

HCL also initiated special sessions so the children learnt about healthy eating choices and had the chance to see, feel and taste exotic fruits, concocting healthy smoothies using pedal power on smoothie-making bicycles.

Participants also enjoyed a range of physical activity programmes and literacy sessions, including Horrible Histories, coordinated by Hertfordshire Libraries.

The programme is the brainchild of Herts Sports and Physical Activity Partnership’s deputy director, Jane Shewring, and Herts Fire and Rescue Service area commander, Steve Holton.