Two Athlone hotels take part in Food For Kids initiative

Two Athlone hotels are participating in a new healthy eating initiative aimed at encouraging children to eat more nutritious food when dining out with their families. The national "Food for Kids" campaign launched this week by the Irish Hotels Federation aims to provide healthier menu options for children with fun, interesting and healthy meals promised when eating out in hotels and guesthouses with an optimum balance of proteins, carbohydrates and nutrients. The Hodson Bay Hotel and Radisson SAS in Northgate Street are the Athlone representatives in the new scheme, which was formally launched by TV personality Miriam O"Callaghan. "The initiative was developed in partnership with independent dietician Margot Brennan and offers a comprehensive range of menu options and guidelines which are being distributed across participating hotels and guesthouses. As part of the initiative, hotels will also be given the opportunity to have their own suggested menus assessed by Ms Brennan. Welcoming the initiative, Gavin O"Shea, Chairman, IHF Midlands Branch, stated that Irish hotels and guesthouses prepare over five million meals for children each year and "Food for Kids" provides a significant opportunity to assist address the pressing health issue of childhood obesity in Ireland. 'With obesity in Irish children rising at alarming rates, we all have a role to play in encouraging healthy food options and help reduce obesity among young people. Healthy eating habits are established early in life, so Irish hotels and guesthouses are stepping up to the mark by providing a healthy alternative and helping parents by providing healthier food options for their children. A lot of the family favourites will still be available but they will be prepared and cooked in a more wholesome and nutritious way. "Food for Kids" will not result in additional costs for guests but will help provide parents with wholesome and enjoyable menu options while on holiday or visiting participating establishments,' he remarked. Participating hotels and guesthouses will display the easily recognisable "Food for Kids" symbol on menus and on hotel websites so that parents can make informed decisions on the property they choose for family meals. Further information is available on www.ihf.ie or by emailing foodforkids@ihf.ie