Food Standards Agency launches SmallSteps4Life initiative

The FSA says SmallSteps4Life is “an innovative approach to motivating young people to take simple steps towards improving their health and well-being, both inside and outside the classroom.”

SmallSteps4Life invites young people to set themselves challenges relating to the themes of eating well, getting active and feeling good, over a period of at least four weeks.

A website will be the centre of the campaign allowing all primary and secondary schools the opportunity to post their own challenge ideas, play games and take part in quizzes. Teachers can also share their schools’ successes and nominate individuals or groups, who have done particularly well, as SmallSteps4Life ‘champions’.

The programme supports the Change4Life movement, and is part of Get Set – the London 2012 education programme that will help deliver the lasting legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Gill Fine, director of consumer choice and dietary health at the FSA, says: “SmallSteps4Life is a unique project because it addresses healthy eating, exercise and emotional health.”

Cracknell adds: “SmallSteps4Life is a novel and exciting initiative that supports London 2012’s sustainability and Get Set education programme goals to encourage healthy and active lifestyles. I am proud to help launch this unique project that addresses well-being in a way that is fun and meaningful for young people.”

Public health minister, Gillian Merron, adds: “SmallSteps4Life builds on the success of the Government’s Change4Life campaign, giving school children the chance to make the small changes to their daily routines that can add up to big health benefits.”

The FSA is working with a range of partners across the UK on SmallSteps4Life, including youth charity The Prince’s Trust, Fairbridge West, ContinYou and the National Organisation for Pupil Referral Units, to ensure SmallSteps4Life reaches vulnerable young people throughout the UK.