How we work
We combine Participatory Action Research, Systems Science and Art projects in Amsterdam Nieuw-West.
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We use Participatory Action Research, so together with parents and their immediate social environment, we gain as many insights possible from Amsterdam Nieuw-West. These are insights into what parents with young children encounter, which solutions are possible for them and whether they are effective.  

With Systems Science we use a systemic approach to map all factors concerning a healthy start and study which are most important. This allows us to learn exactly which buttons to push to increase the chance of a healthy start.

The scientific research of Food4Smiles is aimed at sharing all insights nationally and internationally with policymakers, researchers and care providers.

Through the art projects, we obtain additional insights and we increase the visibility of Food4Smiles. By doing this, the importance of a healthy start is known to everyone in the Amsterdam Nieuw-West.

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QUOTE from Mom
QUOTE from Dad
QUOTE from Grandma
f4s
I spend a lot of time at home and have few social contacts. That makes me feel locked up. At some point, I had to accept that I couldn't do everything anymore. I now have a completely different life than before.
Mother (30)
from Amsterdam Nieuw-West
f4s
I would like to have more information about parenting. We all raise children, but I would like to know how I can do it better. If I know what problems can arise with a child of a certain age, then I know how to deal with it or how to prevent it. That would really help me.
Father (40)
from Amsterdam Nieuw-West
f4s
Children have to get used to different types of food. That is why you have to give them the food you usually have at home and what you have cooked yourself. If they get used to the taste now, they will eat well later on.
Grandmother (57)
from Amsterdam Nieuw-West
Know more about

Food4Smiles is a unique project that focuses on a healthy start for every child. It combines research, practice, and policy and is a collaboration between Amsterdam Nieuw-West, VU University Amsterdam (Department of Health Sciences), Fred Foundation, the Municipality of Amsterdam (the Amsterdam Healthy Weight Program and the Amsterdam Health and Opportunity Program), and Sarphati Amsterdam.