Bread to feed young minds

Healthier Lives National Science Challenge is a partner in a new healthy food initiative, Project Activate, that will be featured in the International Science Festival.

The aim is to encourage children to have an interest in health, healthy eating, and science.  International Science Festival director Chris Greene suggested the combination of the bread research with a project to engage children in science through a healthy eating programme. The programme is being co-ordinated by Rebecca Wilson.

Children will learn about making healthy bread, based on the research by Professor Nick Wilson’s team at University of Otago, Wellington.  They will also learn about the importance of nutrients, interpreting food labeling and health-conscious shopping.  They will conduct experiments in a food science lab, blind-taste bread, and learn about what amount exercise it takes to offset some popular junk food. Their learning will culminate in providing healthy lunches, featuring their bread, to participants at a Pacific sports tournament.

Along with Healthier Lives, partners include the University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic and Pacific Trust Otago. The project has received a Curious Minds grant, a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment initiative to encourage better engagement with science and technology.

Read more about the project in the Otago Daily Times:

Bread project combines science and health, 6 July 2016

Activating healthy choices, 12 July 2016

Related info:

• International Science Festival website
• Much healthier low-cost bread possible (Public Health Research at Otago website)