the importance of nutrition
He taonga te hauora.
Health is wealth.
Kore Hiakai Zero Hunger Collective has a vision of a healthy population where all people thrive and have access to enough nutritious food that not only nourishes our bodies but feeds our souls too.
We are only eight years away from 2030 – the year set to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goal #2 to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition, and to promote sustainable agriculture – yet the distance between closing the gaps to reach many of the targets is growing wider each year.
Repeated statistics from Manatu Hauora – Ministry of Health shows tamariki Māori and Pasifika children are left worse off in almost every ‘Children’s Dietary Habits’ health survey category. These children eat fewer whole foods that give the nutrients needed to grow, play and think, while consuming more calorie rich foods that contribute to poor health outcomes. Additionally, the latest health survey shows adults living in the most socioeconomically deprived areas were 2.2 times as likely to experience psychological distress as those in the least deprived areas. The prevalence of obesity among adults (aged over 15) was 34.3%, with the highest prevalence amongst Pasifika adults (71.3%) followed by Māori (50.8%).
Having sustainable access to enough good kai is such a pivotal factor in our nation’s overall health and well-being. Eating a range of good foods will provide people with all the nutrients needed to thrive – which is why we need to give people acess to a range of nutrients when community kai is accessed. Hence, similar to fueling a car we must also fuel people like well oiled machines, giving all the goodness needed to run smoothly.
the food groups
Carbohydrates are a source of fuel. By themselves they fill us up for a short amount of time but when eaten amongst a range of complimentary nutrient-dense foods we run better for longer. Calorie rich foods like breads, pastas and noodles are an easy filler. While wholegrain foods are important, we also need to provide quality sources of fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry, legumes, nuts and seeds to complete our dietary needs and promote good health.
Download Heart Foundation poster here
For a variety of reasons, a common food group that often falls short in the community kai space is protein-rich foods, such as fish, chicken, eggs, red meat, legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans), nuts and seeds. Proteins main role within the body is growth and repair; it helps us to grow and maintain strong muscles and heal after injury. This is vital for growing strong tamariki and rangatahi, as well as helping elderly to live stronger for longer. Including a quality source of protein in meals will give longer lasting energy so people can hit the ground running. Nutrition does matter.
Download Heart Foundation poster here
Fruits and vegetables are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals that help us to flourish. Their role in enabling our body to properly function is endless! (helping with immunity, growth and development to name a few). Fruits and vegetables are also rich in fibre which is our bodies natural broomstick, sweeping the gut, clearing toxins and keeping us healthy.
Low-fat dairy and dairy alternatives are a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin D and vitamin B which is especially important for bone health. Tolerances and preferences of dairy foods can vary for different people and communities. If excluding dairy from the diet, it’s important to eat alternatives that are fortified with these key nutrients to keep our bodies functioning their best.
Healthier communities help fuel our future; our nation’s health is our collective wealth. We invite you to help people to help themselves, and to help them with resources to be their healthiest selves. People having access to nutritious food is an important step in bridging this health and poverty gap, and to encourage all those in Aotearoa to be their fullest.
By Sophie McCarthy, Kaihononga Hapori Kai Whānui – Community Food Networker + our resident associate registered nutritionist