Hundreds of children across Leeds will benefit from a relaunched nutrition programme designed to promote healthier lifestyles, thanks to a renewed partnership between Arla Foods and Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
The “10 Steps to Good Nutrition” initiative will be rolled out in community clubs across the city, offering practical advice on healthy eating, hydration and staying active.
As part of the programme, 20 interactive school assemblies will take place, delivered by Leeds Rhinos Foundation alongside Arla colleagues from its Leeds based head office. Sessions will also feature appearances from Ronnie the Rhino, helping to bring key messages to life in a fun and engaging way.
Danny Micklethwaite, VP of marketing for Arla Foods, comments: “At Arla, we believe everyone should have access to nutritious, high-quality food and understand the role it plays in staying healthy. As a business with strong roots in Leeds, we’re proud to be working with Leeds Rhinos Foundation to support children and families across Leeds in building healthier habits that can last a lifetime.”
Arla’s recent ‘Plate of the Nation’ insight report revealed 76% of children say healthy eating is important, yet less than half find it easy to eat well.
With nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls (18%) not getting enough calcium during peak bone-building years and 1 in 3 girls aged 11–18 (29%) consuming less iodine than recommended, Arla is committed to supporting young people with both knowledge, education and access to healthy food.
Ben Berry, Partnerships and Project Manager at Leeds Rhinos Foundation added: “At the Foundation, we believe it’s vital that every young person across the city understands the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. By giving community clubs the tools to promote good nutrition, we can help create positive habits at a young age.
“Through our partnership with Arla, we’ve relaunched the 10 Steps to Good Nutrition programme, encouraging clubs to make simple, achievable pledges that support healthier environments for young people. These pledges will become visible resources within clubs, helping to set a positive example across the local grassroots game.
“This is just the beginning of what we hope to achieve in tackling a city-wide challenge and we’re incredibly grateful to Arla for their support.”
Arla, the UK’s largest dairy cooperative, will also support local sports clubs with dairy products and help deliver workshops in partnership with Leeds Rhinos nutritionists and public health teams.
Young fans attending matches at AMT Headingley Stadium will also be involved, with more than 150 children receiving Arla Big Milk 250ml during half-time, helping highlight the role of nutrition in supporting active lifestyles.
The programme is part of wider efforts across Leeds to improve public health and support young people in building healthier habits for the future.