How early learning service transformed kids’ eating habits through Healthy Heart Award

Published: 16 March 2026

At Rumpus Room Waterview, pre-packaged goods are out and fresh food is in, thanks to a bold nutrition overhaul that’s winning hearts and appetites.

Since joining the Heart Foundation’s Tohu Manawa Ora | Healthy Heart Award programme, the early learning service has revolutionised their nutrition plans by embracing scratch cooking and homemade meals.

When their journey began in 2020, the service faced familiar challenges: fussy eaters and menus heavy with processed meats and sweet baked goods. Today, those challenges are long gone.

“Everything is made from scratch now— we make our own jams, dips, hummus and purees,” says Amy Roskruge, the service’s Cook and the driving force behind the transformation.  

The service embraced both the Heart Foundation’s recipes and the ‘How to talk to tamariki about food’ resource, which encourages positive language and curiosity around food.  

Amy says: “We’ve adjusted the language we use around food. We will say ‘Amy is going to make a new recipe’ and get them to view how it’s made and give feedback. If it’s not to their taste, then I can go back and maybe add more apple or combine it with banana.

“They’re part of the process which has opened their minds to trying new things.” The children at Rumpus Room Waterview regularly roll up their sleeves to help prepare meals, turning meal preparation into a hands-on sensory learning experience.  

“My kitchen is very open plan with low benches so kids can be involved in everything and visualise what is happening,” says Amy. “They see the whole journey.”

A weekly Farmer Box delivery adds an element of surprise, with seasonal vegetables sparking curiosity and creativity in the kitchen.

Heart Foundation Nutrition Advisor Regina Wypych praised the service’s efforts around making food exciting, saying: “It’s not just about food, it’s about discovery and connection.”

The impact has been remarkable. Fussy eating is now rare, and parents have praised the service for making healthy eating fun and accessible.

“Parents are so supportive of what we do, and it’s changed a lot of habits. I’ve had a few parents ask me to write a recipe book,” Amy says.

“One parent said when his son first arrived, he would only eat white bread and crackers. By the time he left for primary school he had been eating all the lunches provided as well as fruit and vegetables.  

“When I introduce new recipes, I do a lot of deconstruction of food, then the children are more likely to have a small spoonful to try even if they’re not used to it. That’s been a major part of changing habits.”

Nutrition Advisor Regina says Rumpus Room’s success story highlights the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting early learning service Cooks.  

“Amy is incredibly enthusiastic and passionate. Rumpus Room Waterview have made meaningful change to their children’s understanding and relationships with food.

“It highlights the success Tohu Manawa Ora can have when their staff are deeply invested in making a long-term impact on children’s health.” The service is now aiming for the prestigious Pā-Harakeke (gold) Tohu Manawa Ora | Healthy Heart Award

For more information about what the Heart Foundation offers early learning services, click on the button below.

Healthy Heart Award