Something to Chew On

Something to Chew On is a ten week programme that uses Manchester United to educate youngsters about being healthy in order to tackle rising obesity rates.  The programme covers football, fitness and nutrition and teaches children about the importance of eating healthily and living a balanced lifestyle.

As part of the educational programme, children are taught how to choose, cook and eat safe, healthy food.   As well as classroom sessions, Something to Chew On implements practical activity covering football, fitness and controlling body movement.

The programme sets out to get five key messages across to the children:

• Eat breakfast
• Exercise more
• Eat a balanced diet
• Keep hydrated
• Wash your hands

Teaching activities are supported by a high quality resource pack and DVDs.

The project is funded by the FSA and the Premier League/Professional Footballers’ Association Community Fund to develop the project over three years. The Foundation works with the FSA, local authorities and healthy schools teams to deliver the project.

Over the past twelve months, the Foundation has delivered Something to Chew On in 96 schools and a total of young people 20,948 have benefited from the project this year.

Findings from independent research show that after taking part in the programme had significant benefits on children's health and knowledge about healthy eating:

• 27% more children were positive about eating fruit and vegetables
• 91% of children identified crisps and cake as foods high in fat and/or sugar after the programme