Veg Power, a not-for-profit alliance dedicated to enhancing vegetable consumption in the UK, unveiled its latest endeavor on 25th April – the introduction of a free eLearning platform named ‘Simply Veg Learning.’
This innovative platform aims to provide families across the UK with access to expert-led interventions in public health to empower them in enhancing their vegetable-eating habits in a convenient and cost-effective manner.
‘Simply Veg Learning’ leverages cutting-edge digital tools, including nudges and rewards, along with video-based learning to engage and educate users.
The inaugural eLearning course offered by Veg Power, titled ‘Launch Into Veg,’ is tailored to assist families with children who exhibit resistance towards vegetables or have minimal veg consumption.
Supported by a panel of experts such as nutritionists Zoe Griffiths, Jenny Rosborough, Dr. Laura Wyness, and Dr. Glenys Jones, sensory food expert Kim Smith, and child psychologist Dr. Clare Holley, this course equips participants with a self-directed program comprising concise online video tutorials that outline simple strategies to overcome reluctance and wastage, accessible at the learner’s convenience.
Participants have the opportunity to reinforce their learning through a brief quiz and undertake straightforward weekly challenges to solidify their progress.
The ultimate goal of the course is to ensure that all children develop a positive relationship with vegetables, aiming for them to happily consume at least one vegetable by the course’s conclusion.
Dan Parker, the Chief Executive of Veg Power, expressed enthusiasm about the eLearning platform’s launch, emphasizing the importance of addressing the challenges families face in incorporating vegetables into their children’s diets. The platform integrates insights from diverse experts in a supportive and inclusive manner, aiming to assist parents and caregivers effectively.
Veg Power encourages collaboration from local authorities, schools, community groups, GP surgeries, and other entities invested in children’s dietary well-being to disseminate information about this valuable resource to those in need.
The eLearning platform can be accessed at www.simplyveglearning.org.uk, with promotional materials available at https://vegpower.org.uk/simply-veg, facilitating widespread awareness and utilization of this educational tool.
Veg Power plans to expand its eLearning resources to address various challenges identified by parents, including catering to neurodiverse children, addressing food neophobia, and enhancing veg variety for children with limited dietary preferences.
With a striking statistic revealing that 80% of UK children fail to meet recommended vegetable intake, and nearly a third consuming less than one portion of vegetables daily, initiatives like ‘Simply Veg Learning’ play a crucial role in promoting healthier dietary habits among the younger population.