Building confidence and healthy habits
with the nom! Children program

For many parents, introducing solids and navigating children’s nutrition can be a daunting experience.

From understanding food labels to managing mealtimes with a fussy eater, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where our nom! Children program makes a difference – helping parents gain confidence in feeding their little ones while making healthy eating easier for the whole family.

Sara, who attended the nom! Children program through Parenting Connection in Clarkson, shared how the program has had a positive impact on her family.

The nom! Children program is supported through the generosity of Hawaiian, Channel 7 Telethon Trust and Roy Hill.

Understanding food labels: A game-changer

One of the most eye-opening moments for Sara came during a session on reading food labels. Participants were encouraged to bring in products from home and Sara brought her favourite “healthy” breakfast granola – only to discover it contained far more sugar than she had expected.

We compared products, looking at sugars, fibre and how they’re marketed. I was shocked by how much sugar was actually in my breakfast.”

A small wallet-sized nutrition guide provided during the session has since become an essential tool for Sara when shopping.

It very simply shows some of the nutrition info with green smiley, red frown or yellow neutral faces. It has been so helpful in choosing better options for my family.”

Managing mealtime stress that children’s appetites naturally change from day to day

Another key takeaway for Sara was the reassurance that children’s appetites naturally change and that it’s okay if they don’t eat everything on their plate.

Children won’t starve if they don’t eat a meal and you don’t need to offer ten different choices just to get them to eat. My little one had only been on solids for a few months and I was always worried about making sure he ate enough – especially since half of it ended up on the floor!”

The support and advice from other parents in the program helped her feel more confident, not only about introducing new foods but also in understanding her child’s evolving eating habits.

A supportive space for parents

For Sara, one of the biggest impacts of the nom! Children program was the confidence she gained from being around other parents.

I had extreme anxiety about solids and choking, but being in a room with parents who had been in my shoes really eased my worries. I was able to ask for advice on whether certain foods were appropriate for his age and how to modify them to suit his abilities.”

This peer support played a crucial role in helping her feel more prepared and reassured about her child’s nutrition journey.

Beyond boosting her confidence, the program also introduced Sara to simple, budget-friendly meals that made cooking easier and more affordable, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. She found the quick, inexpensive recipes a great relief, with many vegetarian options being surprisingly filling and affordable.

Since completing the program, Sara’s family has made significant changes, particularly in reducing their sugar intake – a priority after her husband’s recent diagnosis of a nerve issue that worsens with sugar consumption.

The nutrition guide has been a huge help in comparing products. I also want to set a good example for Jareth and improve my own health along the way.”

Participants also received practical tools, including a healthy eating plate for kids and a meal planner magnet, which have helped them maintain healthier eating habits.

These simple tools have been amazing and made meal planning so much easier!”

Through nutrition education, hands-on learning and a strong support network, the nom! Children program has given Sara and her family the confidence to make better food choices, reduce stress around mealtimes, and embrace healthy eating for the long term.

To learn more about Foodbank WA’s nom! programs and how they support families across WA, visit nom!