Rotary goes nuts over footy

By Robert Bremner

Docklands and other local Rotary clubs have banded together to organise the “Footy Nuts” project to improve the diets of remote indigenous children.

Part of a wider mission entitled “Nourish Our Kids”, the initiatives aim to introduce nutrition into the diets of indigenous kids through a number of nut-filled products.

The idea is based upon indigenous children and their families swapping processed snacks for a healthier range of nuts.

“Footy Nuts” was launched in Docklands at The Village inside the NAB building as a breakfast with a $20 donation requested from attendees on May 30.

Melbourne Rotary Club member Robert McGuirk has played a big part in the project.

“I visited an indigenous community recently to find out more about the problems,” Mr McGuirk said.

“The kids couldn’t stay awake in school. One of the reasons is because they eat too many processed foods,” he continued.

Mr McGuirk joined other Rotary members in forming the idea of adding nuts into the kid’s diets. They had to first make sure young people would want to eat the nut bars.

“They’ve got to want to eat it. We are currently trialling the bars in a couple of communities.”

With the help of Scalzo Foods, they were able to obtain the ingredients for the bars.

The project is still in the early stages but there are big plans for “Footy Nuts”.

“The aim is to obviously get to product on the selves of local retailers. We are also trying to gain donations from the AFL as well as promotion of the product,” Mr McGuirk said.

The launch was the first major promotional event created for the project with Leila Gurruwiwi the host. It was held in conjunction with the AFL’s indigenous round.

As well as several Rotary clubs, the project has also been backed by a number of AFL stars in the hope it will persuade kids to become involved.

The project is a joint endeavour of four Victorian Rotary clubs – Docklands, Albert Park, North Brighton and Melbourne.