Woolworths Mom’s Tours

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Ever heard of the Woolworths Mom’s Tours?

No? Well then grab a cup of something warm, put your feet up and enjoy

Woolworths Mom’s Tours

Mom’s Store Tours are part of the Woolworths Making the Difference Educational Programmed for primary schools. Established over nine years ago the programme has been helping teachers and parents teach Grade 4 learners in some 2000 schools about nutrition, healthy living and caring for the environment. As part of Woolworths Good Business Journey, it also helps address a range of challenges that South African children experience, from increasing obesity to persistent under nutrition.

A typical tour starts with a short session of the food groups, taking participants through how much of each should be included in a balanced meal and the role each food group plays in the body. This is followed by an hour-long store tour. Food labeling is also explained, assisting parents in making informed choices. The tour rounds off with a Q & A session and tastings.

Currently the tours cover three topics: “Balanced Lunchboxes”, “Quick & Easy Meals for the Whole Family” and “Brain Food for Exams”, and will take place at different Woolworths stores around the country during the year. Tours are open to customers, parents of learners from participating schools, as well as the general public.

“The importance of smart nutritional strategies are especially relevant during exam time explains the Woolworths Educational Programmes Manager, Pieter Twine. “By hosting these Mom’s Store Tours we aim to give busy parents suggestions on meals and snacks that can help their child concentrate better and provide adequate energy during exam time.”

Says Woolworths Dietitian Cindy Chin, “Parents often ask me to suggest content for school lunchboxes. With these tours we will try and provide useful guidelines to help them put together balanced lunchboxes and understand the nutritional information provided on labels. We also encourage participants to ask as many questions as possible during the store tour, so we can assist with those on the spot.”

Contact Details

For more information or to book your place on a Woolworths Mom’s Store Tour near you, contact amandamhluzi@woolworths.co.za.

I was fortunate enough to learn about these tours from a fellow blogger, well actually a blogging Queen, Cindy from 3 Kids, 2 Dogs and 1 Old House.

On Thurs, 19 March we (yip, dragged poor Carl along) attended the Mom’s tour at the Woolworths in Cavendish Square. Quite a distance from our area but hey, it was something new and would assist me in packing healthy lunches for my boys #sold

We arrived promptly at 18:45pm and made our way into the store while staff were packing up after a long day.

Not knowing anyone we clung to each other for the welcomes and introduction to the evening but soon chatted up a storm in our little group, Carl feeling very much out of his element was a bit relieved when one other Dad walked in.

The theme for our evening was “Balanced Lunchboxes”, something I definitely needed guidance on.

“Putting together balanced, healthy lunchboxes shouldn’t be a chore! Woolworths makes it easy – we have everything you need to create a healthy, appealing and varied lunchbox from start to finish, including conveniently portioned, lunch-box ready packs.”

6 OF THE BEST

Remember to include foods from the following food groups in healthy proportions into your kids lunchboxes:

Carbohydrates
This is where the body gets its fuel and is essential for active and growing kids

Protein
Essential for the young growing body to function optimally and should be included in all main meals.

Dairy / Dairy alternatives
Are good sources of calcium, magnesium, vitamin B2 and vitamin D which aid the growth of strong bones and teeth and are thus a very important component of a healthy lunch box.

Fruit and / or vegetables
Fruit is a healthy source of carbohydrate and also provides energy to your child’s growing body! While the carbohydrate content in fruits may vary, it is important to encourage consumption of a variety of fruits, which will provide a wide range of important nutrients.

Small portion of healthy fats
Maintain cell membranes, assists immune function aid absorption of vitamins and assist brain development and should be included in small quantities at most meals.

And don’t forget the water Moms, Liquids are essential for life. Our bodies are made up of more than half water; if we don’t replenish our supplies we won’t survive for more than a few days. Pack healthy snack options and remember that children should balance activity with their snacking routine. Go slow on high energy, sugary and fatty snacks, and keep these for special occasions.

Some tips as highlighted from Woolworths for Active Children

Active children need fuel for sports, school and everyday health, as well as normal growth and development

Keep lunchboxes fun and exciting

Plan ahead

Be snack wise! Pack healthy snack options and remember that children should balance activity with their snacking routine

Active children should take an extra bottle of fluid for sport to ensure that they stay well hydrated

Treats, should be kept for special occasions and eaten in smaller portions.

The talks were held both in the restaurant as well as on a walk about which we did with our Dietician. We were able to ask questions, see different examples of food on offer which fall within the 6 of the best category (and options available for snacks). And the evening ended with tasting all the yummy goodies!

I’m definitely definitely going back! I sadly missed the one which took place in May due to other commitments but I’m there like a bear next time around.

So what are you waiting for? Go and register! You’ll thank me, I promise!

Till later