A lack of education around the importance of hydration remains at large for schoolchildren. In partnership with Bidfood, iPRO is on an educational journey to fill this gap by raising awareness in schools nationwide. Adopting healthy drinking habits is essential at a young age as kids have undeveloped thirst mechanisms. Failing to hydrate themselves can decrease their performance by as much as 5%, impacting their cognitive abilities to learn, think, remember, and problem-solve. iPRO is one of the world’s fastest-growing hydration brands, with a school-compliant healthy juice range formulated explicitly for schoolchildren. As a leading supplier to school caterers, Bidfood understands the importance of increasing nutritious offerings for children at every stage of their food and drink offering.

Encouraging the Next Generation to Lead a Healthier Lifestyle

Educational campaigns often focus on getting children to eat healthier foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables. But an often-overlooked opportunity is what they are drinking and whether they are getting enough hydration. Joining forces with Bidfood to raise awareness serves as an educational programme, explaining to kids the importance of hydration and helping them make more informed choices. Providing healthier and more nutritious options like iPRO’s Student Edition range enables children to thrive inside and outside the classroom, creating a productive environment and furthering their learning success.

In addition to the consequences of dehydration, over-consuming sugary drinks can lead to concentration issues for children. Sugar-packed drinks have no place in a child's healthy diet but account for almost one-third of their daily sugar intake. According to Public Health England, the average child has consumed 18 years' worth of sugar by their 10th birthday. Mintel research shows that eight in ten kids consume fruit juices and smoothies packed with artificial ingredients. The majority of these drinks on the market are sweetened with sugar, and many aren't explicitly created for children’s health and wellbeing.

Encouraging kids to get active with parkrun

From their choice of drink to their weekend activities, iPRO encourages children to lead healthier, active lifestyles with the help of parkrun. It’s no secret that the pandemic had a catastrophic effect on children’s activity levels. Hours spent in front of computer screens, coupled with extensive social restrictions, meant opportunities for kids to get outside for exercise were hampered. That lack of physical activity is detrimental to their mental health as it’s been linked to higher stress and anxiety levels (source: Preventive Medicine Reports).

As the Official Hydration Partner of parkun, the global active community for all ages, iPRO believes it’s never been more important to get children moving and repair their broken connection with exercise. Whether they’re speedy front-runners or prefer to soak up the scenery, engaging with events like junior parkrun will help develop their physical skills, support their wellbeing, make new friends, and ultimately have fun in the fresh air. To get involved, you can find your nearest junior parkrun at https://www.parkrun.org.uk/events/juniorevents.