Vendors have been called on to play a critical role in shaping healthier lifestyles among children, as government seeks to expand greater compliance in the sector to the Barbados School Nutrition Policy.
Minister of Educational Transformation, Chad Blackman made the appeal while addressing vendors during an orientation session at Springer Memorial School on Saturday.
Blackman acknowledged the deep cultural connection Barbadians have with food, noting that taste often drives choices, particularly among children.
“There’s no doubt that Barbados and many countries in the region have a very strong relationship with our food.
“Our people and our children in particular like to eat things that taste good, but what most times tastes good may not be the best thing for you and for your health,” Blackman said.
He stressed that government remained committed to ensuring vendors earn a livelihood, highlighting their importance to households, communities and the wider economy.
However, the minister made it clear that the push for healthier foods within school environments is being driven by a longstanding public health challenge which could no longer be ignored.
“We’re here also because there is a crisis… Barbados has had a high incidence of non-communicable diseases,” he said, adding that children are among the most vulnerable groups.
He pointed out that changing lifestyles have compounded the issue, with reduced physical activity among young people.
“Technology has meant most of our children stay inside and play on the computer. You have to beg them to go outside and run. As the society has advanced, there has been a shift to a more relaxed lifestyle,” Blackman said.
Against this backdrop, he urged vendors to strike a balance between providing appealing snacks and offering healthier alternatives that support children’s well-being.
“We, therefore, must now ask ourselves how do we still sell them drinks and snacks, but at the same time make sure that they have the actual products that will allow for them to be healthy,” he said.
Reassuring vendors of their place in the evolving system, Blackman emphasised their role as partners in national development.
“Vendors are a key part of Barbados’ society…so you all aren’t going anywhere. The question is how do we now work with you to move in a direction of selling healthier options.”
“We must now use this as a model with our vendors being champions of change… so that we can now lead this movement of change across the Caribbean,” Blackman said.
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