START Child Health campaign – Jan. 1, 2027

START Child Health campaign
Categories:
Tags:
AwarenessChildrenHealth
Where:
Ireland
Date change rule:
Every January
Holiday emoji:
👶

The START Child Health campaign champions child well-being every January. Organized by key health bodies in Ireland, it encourages families to adopt healthier eating habits and more active lifestyles. Discover practical tips to improve your children’s diet, activity levels, and overall health this month.

Want to sponsor START Child Health campaign? Learn how

Expected START Child Health campaign Deals

As a vital public health initiative, the START Child Health campaign focuses on awareness and education rather than commercial deals. However, many organizations and brands align with its mission by promoting healthy living. Look for educational resources and community events from safefood, Healthy Ireland, and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Retailers like Tesco Ireland or Dunnes Stores may highlight healthy food options or sponsor local youth sports. Additionally, charities such as Barnardos Ireland might run awareness campaigns or fundraising drives related to child welfare during January. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as January approaches.

Platform Guide for START Child Health campaign

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #STARTChildHealth. Share photos of healthy meals, active family outings, or tips for reducing screen time.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #STARTChildHealth. Share campaign resources and engage in discussions about child well-being.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #STARTChildHealth. Share campaign updates, health tips, and statistics to raise awareness across your network.

Social Media Tips for START Child Health campaign

Individuals

Commit to one new healthy habit for your child each week of January, whether it's a new vegetable, a family walk, or a 'no-screen' hour.

Creators

Develop a series of short, engaging videos demonstrating easy, healthy recipes for kids or fun indoor/outdoor activities to encourage movement.

Brands

Launch a month-long challenge encouraging healthy choices, offering incentives for participation, or partnering with local schools for educational workshops.

Organizations & Brands for START Child Health campaign

  1. safefood

    safefood is an all-island body responsible for promoting food safety and healthy eating on the island of Ireland. Established in 1999, it plays a key role in organizing the START Child Health campaign, providing evidence-based advice and resources to parents.

  2. Healthy Ireland

    Healthy Ireland is a government-led initiative in the Republic of Ireland, launched in 2013, aimed at improving the health and well-being of people living in Ireland. It partners with safefood and other bodies to deliver campaigns like START, focusing on national health priorities.

  3. Health Service Executive (HSE)

    The HSE is the publicly funded healthcare system in the Republic of Ireland, responsible for providing health and social services. It supports the START campaign by integrating its messages into primary care and community health programs, reaching families directly.

  4. Public Health Agency (PHA)

    The PHA is the main organisation in Northern Ireland responsible for public health and social well-being. Formed in 2009, it collaborates with safefood and the Department of Health in Northern Ireland to promote the START campaign's goals across the region.

  5. UNICEF Ireland

    UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. UNICEF Ireland advocates for children's rights and well-being, aligning with the START campaign's aims to ensure a brighter future for kids.

  6. Danone

    Founded in 1919, Danone is a global food company focused on health through food, with a strong presence in dairy, plant-based products, and specialized nutrition. They often support initiatives promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles for children through their brands.

  7. Nike

    Established in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports, Nike is a global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories. Through initiatives like 'Made to Play,' Nike promotes physical activity and play for children, supporting the active lifestyle aspect of the START campaign.

START Child Health campaign Hero

Dr. James Spence

Dr. James Spence (1892–1954) was a pioneering British paediatrician who significantly advanced child health and social paediatrics. His work at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne established a holistic approach to child care, recognizing the impact of social conditions on health. Spence championed preventive medicine and public health initiatives, laying foundational principles for campaigns like START that aim to improve children's well-being through comprehensive strategies.

History of START Child Health campaign

‘Nutrition’ refers to the “process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.” Of course, the standards and ideas of what constitutes a “good” diet for children have evolved. The early 20th Century was strongly impacted by the World Wars and the Great Depression, causing general malnourishment among kids. Nutrition programs, thus, focused on providing children with food grains to ensure their survival. School lunch programs,specifically, played a huge role in ensuring that infants were being fed at least one substantial meal a day. However, the economic troubles created by war and recession limited the supply of funds, threatening the continuity of such projects.

As economic conditions improved, access to food also increased for many people. A relatively new problem emerging today is childhood obesity. Nowadays, about 12.7% of the two- to five-year-olds are clinically overweight. This poses several health risks. It can cause joint problems, along with respiratory difficulties. The social implications of obesity can often lead to mental and emotional hurdles of low self-esteem and lack of confidence due to the social isolation individuals can be subjected to. Obese children also tend to become obese as adults, thus leading to the risk of diseases like type two diabetes.

The START Child Health Campaign is a month-long event in Ireland that aims to encourage the consumption of healthier food and the adoption of a more active lifestyle. START provides parents with varying suggestions to help improve the health of their kids — from a better diet to reduced screen time. The campaign’s end goal is to ensure a brighter future for today’s children.

START Child Health campaign timeline

July 28, 1914
WWI

The First World War begins

1929
The Great Depression

The Great Depression begins.

September 1, 1939
WWII

The Second World War begins.

2017
START Child Health Campaign

The START Child Health campaign is started by safefood.

How Businesses Can Celebrate START Child Health campaign

Local businesses can significantly contribute to the START Child Health campaign throughout January. Restaurants and cafes can feature special ‘Kids’ Healthy Menu’ items or offer discounts on nutritious family meals. Grocery stores can create prominent displays of healthy snacks, fruits, and vegetables, perhaps with educational signage about their benefits. Fitness centers or sports clubs can offer free trial classes for children or family-friendly activity challenges to encourage active lifestyles. Even non-food businesses can promote the campaign by sharing health tips on social media or sponsoring local school health initiatives.

START Child Health campaign FAQs

When is START Child Health campaign?

In 2027, this vital public health campaign will again take place throughout January, empowering parents with practical tips and resources to improve their kids’ well-being.

What are the main goals of the START Child Health campaign?

In 2027, the campaign will continue its focus on empowering parents with practical, evidence-based suggestions. Its end goal remains ensuring a brighter future for today’s children by fostering sustainable healthy habits.

Who organizes the START Child Health campaign?

Looking ahead to 2027, the campaign will continue to be organized by this strong consortium of public health bodies. Their joint effort ensures a comprehensive and unified approach to promoting child health across the entire island.

Why is the START Child Health campaign important?

In 2027, the campaign’s importance remains undiminished as it continues to tackle the complex challenges of modern child health. By focusing on nutrition, activity, and screen time, it aims to build a foundation for healthier future generations.

How to Observe START Child Health campaign

  1. Go for a health checkup

    If you are in charge of a child’s care, begin the month by taking your kid for a health check-up. This is crucial and should become habitual.

  2. Decide on one small change and stick to it

    Decide on a health-improving change with your kid. Then consistently stick to the decision.

  3. Encourage your child

    You can’t scold, punish, or pressure anyone into making a longstanding, positive change. Encourage your kid and praise them for the effort they are putting into making healthier life choices.

5 Super Important Facts About Nutrition

  1. Added sugar can be harmful

    While everything is alright in moderation, too much added sugar, commonly used to improve the taste of packaged foods, is unhealthy.

  2. Omega-3 fats are important and scarcely consumed

    Omega-3 fats are essential to human nutrition, but most people aren’t getting enough of them in their diet.

  3. There is no perfect diet

    Though the internet is saturated with different kinds of fad diets, there is no one “best” diet.

  4. Eating vegetables is good for you

    Vegetables are a rich source of nutrients, and eating more of them is linked with improved health.

  5. Supplements can’t replace real foods

    While supplements are a great way to ensure you’re getting all essential nutrients, they can never actually replace real food.

Why START Child Health campaign is Important

  1. It encourages health awareness

    It is increasingly crucial to understand the status of your child’s health. The START Child Health Campaign is a good reminder to catch up with it.

  2. It highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle

    The START Child Health Campaign highlights how important maintaining a healthy lifestyle is. Discover all the ways today.

  3. It encourages health behavior changes

    The START Child Health campaign encourages changes in health behavior whenever necessary. Learn all their is to know.

START Child Health campaign dates

Year Date Day
2027 January 1 Friday
2028 January 1 Saturday
2029 January 1 Monday
2030 January 1 Tuesday
2031 January 1 Wednesday