Dairy Council’s Food & Fitness brings learning and laughter to Rathlin Island

(L-R) Food & Fitness team member Chloe Treanor, St. Mary's pupil Saorlaith Molloy-Teggart, Sara McCullough and Cabhan McCurdy.

The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI) has brought its long-running Food & Fitness programme to the remote shores of Rathlin Island, delivering a high-energy educational session to pupils at St. Mary’s Primary School as part of the school’s 200th anniversary celebrations.

The visit saw the DCNI’s dynamic duo, Chloe and Sara, travel across land and sea to reach the island school, where they hosted an interactive workshop blending nutrition education with physical activity and entertainment.

The lively session featured colourful props, fast-paced games, and even a Food & Fitness rap, all designed to engage young minds in the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

Now in its 21st year, the Food & Fitness programme has become a cornerstone of the Dairy Council’s education outreach, reaching tens of thousands of children across Northern Ireland.

The programme is tailored to primary school pupils and focuses on promoting balanced eating habits, regular physical activity, and a positive attitude towards healthy living.

The Rathlin Island visit forms part of DCNI’s wider commitment to supporting schools, parents, and teachers with accessible, curriculum-aligned health education resources. These materials, including lesson plans and classroom activities, are freely available in the ‘Schools’ section of the Dairy Council website.

With a track record spanning more than two decades, the Food & Fitness initiative continues to adapt and expand, ensuring that the next generation of Northern Ireland’s children are better informed and inspired to make healthier lifestyle choices.

For more information and to explore educational resources, visit www.dairycouncil.co.uk.