The new Better Health campaign launched by the government today will set out to help families improve their lifestyle and diet.
The NHS Food Scanner App is one of the features within the campaign which will offer parents healthier alternatives to various foods.
Recent statistics have revealed that 6 in 10 parents are feeding their children more unhealth, fatty and sugary snack now than they were pre-pandemic.
The campaign sees 'Girls Aloud' star Nadine Cole and dietician Dr Linia Patel who tested the new food app.
The Netmums survey showed that 64 percent of parents worry about how health their children’s snacks are, with 90 percent of parents from the survey saying that an App which helped them make healthier choices for their children would be beneficial.
Annie O’Leary, Netmums Editorial Director said: “That two thirds or parents find they’re giving kids more treats as snacks than pre-pandemic doesn’t surprise me in the slightest – we all comfort ate our way through the pandemic and I know my kids ate far more treats than usual.
“But thank heavens there’s now something to help get us all back on track. And that it’s from the gold standard in terms of trustworthiness, the NHS, hopefully means millions of families will be downloading it and using it ASAP.
“Shopping for snacks can be an absolute minefield for busy parents, so thank you for coming to the rescue yet again, NHS”.
The campaign has been launched after a rise in childhood obesity. The Government’s Obesity strategy is to regulate the promotion of less healthy foods to children. This has been backed by £100m of funding to help families achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Public Health Minister Maggie Throup said: “We know that families have felt a lot of pressure throughout the pandemic which has drastically changed habits and routines.
“The new year is a good time for making resolutions, not just for ourselves, but for our families. Finding ways to improve their health is one of the best resolutions any of us could make.
“By downloading the free NHS Food Scanner App, families can swap out foods from the weekly shop for healthier alternatives and avoid items high in salt, sugar and saturated fat.”
