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Munch & Move
The Munch & Move program is a NSW Health initiative that helps to support the healthy development of children 0 to 5 years attending early childhood education and care services. The program supports early childhood educators to increase physical activity and healthy eating and reduce screen time for children in care by providing a fun, play-based approach to healthy eating and physical activity habits in the early years.
Local Health Promotion Officers work with services to create a whole-of-service approach to healthy eating and physical activity.
There are a range of resources, support and professional development opportunities available for educators.
The Munch & Move eLearning program offers free training to early childhood educators, teachers and service leaders working in preschool, occasional care and family day care services.
The eLearning program contains videos, interactive activities and reflective practice questions that provide educators with the knowledge, skills and resources to embed healthy eating and physical activity into their service.
Completing all training modules typically takes around three hours, but they are self-paced and can be completed over multiple sessions.
To access training go to Home | Munch & Move (munchandmove.com.au)
Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are a specific set of gross motor skills that involve different body parts. These skills are the building blocks for more complex skills that children will learn throughout their lives. They help children take part in games, sports and recreational activities.
Children need to be taught how to perform FMS as part of their growth and development. Educators should provide children with intentional opportunities to practice these skills. This will help the skills develop and the children to become more confident. Introduce FMS skills early through play and exploration. This will make it more likely that children will engage in physical activity throughout their lives.
Resources:
- FMS with Franky and Friends
- Physical Activity for Babies and Toddlers
- Fundamental Movement Skills in Action
- Mini Moves (by Northern Sydney LHD)
- Play with me! Fun moved for 0 to 3 years
- The 12 days of fitness – Activity Cards and Calendar
- FMS Indoor Videos (by Nepean Blue Mountains LHD)
0 to 5 years of age is a key window for children to learn about food and eating. Mealtimes offer opportunities to promote positive outcomes for children. Positive mealtimes are not only about nutritional requirements, they can also shape children’s learning, development, health and wellbeing.
Registrations are now open for all Mid North Coast educators, click here to register.
We hope to extend registrations to other Local Health Districts very soon. In the meantime, we suggest contacting your local Munch & Move Health Promotion Officer.
What is PICNIC in Early Education?
PICNIC in Early Education is a free child feeding and nutrition education program for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) staff. Co-designed by PICNIC dietitians, Mid North Coast ECEC staff, and parents, this program is an extension of the PICNIC program. It aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework and complements the Munch & Move program.
PICNIC in Early Education is an extension of the PICNIC program. The program consists of 3 self-directed learning modules, as well as resources and support.
PICNIC in Early Education is available for all Mid North Coast ECEC staff, including directors, educators, cooks and administrative staff. It is suitable for both centres that provide food and centres where lunchboxes are brought from home.
What does PICNIC in Early Education look like?
The program includes 3 self-directed learning modules, resources, and support. Each module is about 40 minutes long and includes videos, text, quiz questions, practical tools, and links to resources.
PICNIC dietitians and Health Promotion Officers are available to support your centre in implementing PICNIC in Early Education.
What are the benefits?
PICNIC in Early Education will provide you with the latest evidence-based information on child feeding, providing practical tools for your centre. The aim is to create a positive mealtime environment that is enjoyable for both educators and children and reduce mealtime stress.
Research
PICNIC in Early Education is currently being evaluated in 10 MNC ECEC centres as part of HETI Rural Research Capacity Building Program. The evaluation will determine if the program impacts educators feeding practices during mealtimes.
Any questions?
If you would like more information or have any questions please email PICNIC in Early Education lead, Alison Walton at alison.walton@health.nsw.gov.au
Mid North Coast Health Promotion Officers are available to provide support for menu development and review. They provide regular, ongoing support via Cook Network Meetings.
If you would like your menu to be reviewed, please email a copy to your local Health Promotion Officer.
The NSW Health Caring for Children manual provides menu planning information and checklists to help you plan a menu that meets the nutritional needs of the children in your care.
Below is a list of recipe and cookbooks that contain recipes suitable for the early childhood setting:
Join our closed Facebook group, Munch and Move MNC, which is exclusively for early childhood educators and cooks on the Mid North Coast. Connect with like-minded professionals, access resources, and exchange ideas on promoting healthy habits and wellbeing among children.
Click here to download the 2025 Munch & Move calendar.
The first 2000 days of life is a critical time for physical, cognitive, social and emotional health. What happens in the first 2000 days has been shown to have an impact throughout life.
Mid North Coast Local Health District partnered with Blue Sky to deliver a webinar series. The recordings are available online at First 2000 Days – Mid North Coast Local Health District (nsw.gov.au)
Northern Sydney Local Health District has developed Small Bites for Big Steps, a series of professional development courses to support early childhood educators in giving children (birth to 5 years) the healthiest start in life.
Choose from general or NESA-accredited professional development courses across a range of settings and groups including nursery, toddler, preschool and family day care courses.
For more information, go to Small Bites for Big Steps – Munch & Move – Northern Sydney Local Health District (nsw.gov.au)
Research shows that children aged 3-5 have already internalised ideas about bodies and appearance. It’s a concerning thought given that children who are worried about their bodies at this early age are more likely to engage in disordered eating or have mental health issues later in life. It’s important that we prevent body image issues in young people by getting in early with messages of body appreciation.
Body Blocks by Embrace Kids
Specifically designed for early childhood educators and teachers, the Body Blocks video modules offer practical, easy-to-implement strategies to help kids aged 0-8 build a positive relationship with food, movement and their bodies. Work through the modules one by one or watch them in one session in a staff meeting or professional development day – they take less than 30 minutes all up. You can access the modules at Education Hub – Body Blocks by Embrace Kids – Embrace Hub (theembracehub.com)
Our termly Munch & Move e-newsletter is loaded with valuable healthy development information and resources for teachers and educators in early childhood education and care services. View previous newsletters below:
Mid North Coast Health Promotion dietitians have developed a free child feeding program for parents and carers. It is suitable for adults that care for children aged 0 to 6 years. It offers online or face to face workshops, access to Q&A sessions and a closed supportive Facebook group to connect with other PICNIC families. To register your interest: Join PICNIC – Picnic Project
For more information contact us at mnclhd-hp@health.nsw.gov.au