Two Cork women on a mission to start 'food revolution' encouraging healthy alternatives for kids

Clonakilty's Kids Food Revolution aims to end the practice of schools and sporting bodies giving sweets as rewards and instead offer healthier alternatives or non-food items to celebrate achievements

Melissa Byrne and Gillian Hegarty of 'Kids Food Revolution' in Clonakilty, West Cork today. Picture: Andy Gibson.

Every revolution starts with one small step. In Clonakilty, West Cork, chef Gillian Hegarty and registered dietician Melissa Byrne have kicked off their own Kids Food Revolution in a bid to make positive changes to the food environment surrounding children.

Hegarty, a former head chef of Ballymaloe House who has cooked at London’s River Café and Paradiso in Cork city, together with Byrne, who works with the HSE, launched their initiative earlier this month. Their Kids Food Revolution has a simple aim: to encourage schools, sports groups, businesses and kid-related activities to stop giving children excess sweets and snacks.