Healthy eating habits start with nom! Children
For Sana Khan and her family, participating in Foodbank WA’s nom! Children program,
sponsored by Hancock Iron Ore and Telethon, has led to positive changes that extend far beyond the dinner table.
While Sana found every session valuable, the topics that had the greatest impact were learning about nutritious meals, understanding food labels, and preparing healthy food on a budget.
“Everything was amazing and interactive, especially when we were preparing food, sharing, and enjoying our time together like a family,” she said.
Like many parents, Sana was looking for ways to improve her child’s eating habits and create healthier routines at home. Through the program, she learned the importance of structured mealtimes and began introducing regular eating schedules for breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner.
The results were gradual but significant.
“I implemented this structure for my family. Not just my child, but we as a family now enjoy regular mealtimes.”
One of the biggest changes was moving away from distracted eating and bringing the family together at the table.
“Before the sessions, I was used to offering meals to my daughter first. Now, we all sit together properly at the table. I realised she picked up our ways of eating and started following the same habits.”
By removing pressure around eating and establishing consistent meal routines, Sana noticed her daughter became more comfortable and confident at mealtimes.
“Although I stopped pressuring her, she began to understand mealtimes and gradually started eating on her own. Within a few days, things changed, and now she eats normally.”
The positive impacts extended beyond eating habits. Sana says her daughter’s health improved noticeably after the family increased their intake of water, fruits and vegetables and focused on balanced meals.
Previously, her daughter experienced frequent constipation, which was a source of stress for the family.
“With proper meals now, her stool has become normal over the past few weeks. Because of this, she feels calmer and can focus better on playing and sleeping peacefully.”
The family has also enjoyed stronger connections and more positive mealtime experiences.
“The program helped bring several positive changes, including improved family bonding, adding more colourful vegetables to our diet, my daughter starting to express her food choices, and waiting for meals at the table.”
Interestingly, the changes were embraced by the whole household – including Sana’s husband, who describes himself as a picky eater and previously preferred fast food. “Now he loves the nom! recipes. They are nutritious, simple and good in taste too. He loves the colourful salads the most and will eat a whole bowl by himself.” Sana says mealtimes have become less stressful and much more rewarding. “I think mealtime is not stressful but way more rewarding to me now.” Beyond health benefits, the family has also seen substantial savings on their grocery bill thanks to the program’s practical budgeting advice.
“Before, we were randomly spending on groceries and food. It was around $200 a week. Now our cost has reduced to around $50 – $60 a week. We feel relaxed, happy and enjoy good meals in an economical way.”
Today, Sana feels more confident in making healthy food choices and understanding nutrition.
“Before that, I wasn’t sure about ingredients, protein and fibre. Now I am relieved that whatever we eat is healthy and a complete meal.”
When asked whether she would recommend the nom! Children program to others, Sana’s answer was immediate.
“Yes, I do and will suggest this program to every mother and father. The primary reason is the importance of healthy food in our lives, and secondly how we can enjoy good food on a budget.”
She also hopes the program continues to support families facing similar challenges.
“I would like to say keep running this effort, as it is very helpful for mothers who worry about their child’s health, food and helping them enjoy meals on time.”
For Sana and her family, the nom! Children program has provided more than nutrition education – it has helped create healthier habits, stronger family connections and greater confidence around food.
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