As the summer holidays are in full swing and children are spending more time at home, the Public Health Dieticians Group is launching a new series of short videos designed to help parents and caregivers make healthy snack choices for their children.

Snacks are an important part of a child’s diet. Children often can’t get all the nutrients they need at meal times alone, so snacks are an essential way to help them get enough and keep energy levels stable to support their growth and development. They aren’t just “extras” – when chosen well, they play a valuable role in helping children meet their nutritional needs.

Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “Any parent will know that during the summer holidays the requests for snacks can feel never ending, With children at home more and a change in routine, it is natural for them to ask for food throughout the day, but this can sometimes leave parents feeling unsure about how often they should say yes or what snacks to offer.

“This new video series is designed to reassure parents that snacks can be a positive part of a child’s diet when they are planned and made with healthy ingredients. By offering the right snacks at the right times, you can keep children energised, satisfied, and ready to enjoy all the fun that summer brings.”

Over the summer, the series of videos will look at when to offer snacks, ingredients to use, easy snack ideas and the importance of pairing snacks with healthy drinks.

Jenny Panek, Paediatric Health Improvement Dietitian, added: “The series is full of practical, down-to-earth advice that anyone looking after children can put into action straight away. We know how easy it is to be at a loss for ideas when it comes to giving children snacks, especially during long summer days at home.

“These videos offer simple tips on how to plan ahead, what to keep in the cupboard or fridge, and how to create healthy, cost effective options that children will enjoy. From timing to portion sizes, these videos are here to make life easier for busy families while helping children get the nutrition they need.”

The first three videos are available now on the Public Health Dieticians YouTube channel and can be found here: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVutsY_gd5AYnalVYTCXNoKDh9anjQ9P2

The Public Health Dieticians Group is a group of Registered Dieticians, Nutritionists and support staff who work across Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland, and is commissioned by the PHA.