The Medibank Community Fund (MCF) has awarded a $15,000 community grant to Gunawirra in Redfern, New South Wales.
The grant will fund a Healthy Eating program which aims to teach Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal preschool children and their parents about nutrition in order to reduce the long term chronic health problems that affect the community.
Vital health and nutrition education will be taught through games, dreamtime stories, puppetry and social interaction.
Medibank Retail State Manager for NSW, Dilan Perera said the program embraced the Medibank Community Fund's priorities of promoting healthy eating, physical activity and greater community connectedness -the key selection criteria for the MCF grants program.
"Medibank employees on our Regional Council from across NSW, expressed overwhelming support for Gunawirra's application because their pre-school healthy eating program takes a preventative and proactive approach to childhood health by educating parents and kids about the importance of nutrition", said Mr Perera.
"The Medibank Community Fund grants program supports local, grassroots initiatives that aim to create a lasting and positive impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of people in the community and Gunawirra and its pre-school healthy eating program are doing just that".
Gunawirra CEO Norma Tracey said the program is developed in consultation with more than 30 preschools in New South Wales.
"Through education and hands-on practical skills in preparing and cooking fresh food, the program aims to prevent chronic illness and reduce the reliance of a large number of families in Redfern have on fast food", said Ms Tracey.
The program will teach children from preschools in Armidale, Gunnedah, Inverell, Kootingal, Tingha, and Quirindi, Werris Creek, Tilba, Kempsey, Boggabilla and Poet's Corner.
Gunawirra is one of 42 recipients chosen from more than 900 applications across Australia and New Zealand to receive a 2014 Medibank Community Fund grant.