Rathwood signs up for First 1000 Days initiative and serves up healthy dishes

RATHWOOD leisure, shopping and entertainment centre on the Carlow-Wicklow border has launched a new family service with the introduction of a new healthy children’s menu and registration as a breastfeeding-friendly centre.

Rathwood has signed up to the First1000days initiative which looks to nurture children through their first two years and actively promotes acceptance of breastfeeding as part of that welcome. James Keogh, director of Rathwood and a new father, is keen to support mothers and their young babies. ‘We are very happy to accommodate and welcome nursing mothers,’ he says.

The introduction of the new children friendly menus is the brainchild of Rathwood Restaurant Manager Chris Dinsdale, who wants food choices to be both fun and healthy for children.

‘Daily we see the frustrations of parents and their children as they try to choose healthy options for their children,’ says Chris. ‘Fizzy sugary drinks are always so popular and it is hard to steer the children into earing regular dishes that are nutritious and tasty.

‘We came up with the idea of PepperFox to encourage children into choosing fun meals – emphasising healthy options such as milk or home-made meals,’ he says.

PepperFox invites children to pick their own lunch with signs saying this food is for you or pick your lunch.

‘Research has shown us that when children are allowed to make their own choices, they are much happier with the result and more likely to enjoy the meal,’ says Chris. ‘We have PepperFox branding on the tables and near the food – gently pushing the children into making good choices.’