Nutrition websites
Many organisations - from commercial publishers, food companies, and industry bodies to public sector organisations, charities, and pressure groups - produce educational materials about food and nutrition. Some of this material is great, and some of it is not so good. When considering whether a publication or website is useful for your school, ask the following questions:
- What is this publication's viewpoint?
- Does it present a biased or balanced argument?
- Is sufficient information and explanation provided?
- Could the information be misinterpreted?
- Who has produced this publication?
- Who has sponsored it?
- How up to date is this publication?
- Is this just a glorified advertising brochure?
- Does it follow the Ministry of Health’s Food and Nutrition guidelines and the four food groups?
- Is it relevant to the New Zealand Curriculum?
- Does it include other aspects of healthy lifestyles?
- Is it appropriate for the age and ability of the children?
- Does it avoid gender and racial stereotypes?
- Does it take into account different age groups and family types?
- Does it use appropriate or alarming terminology?
- Does it condone moderate or extreme eating patterns?
These questions are adapted from the British government’s voluntary guidelines, Educational Materials Concerned with Nutrition, produced as part of its Health of the Nation Initiative. Teacher can also check the quality of health information using the online Quality Information Checklist.
You may find the websites listed in this section helpful. Some contain classroom materials, while others provide background information or advice. Please note that these are a guide only, and a website's inclusion does not imply that it is endorsed by Mission-On.
