Erin Madden: Combining Nutrition and Food Science for Children

Meet Erin Madden, the founder and CEO of Happy Kids Nutrition Academy, a privately owned international school founded in 2021 that offers at-home training classes in health and nutrition for children aged between 8-18 years.

Erin graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Human Nutrition from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, NS. With more than a decade’s experience in the nutrition and fitness industry, Erin has a well-rounded skillset that encompasses evidence-based nutrition principles and an understanding of food and ingredients. She is continually inspired by food and its ability to promote overall growth and wellness.

In a recent interview with the Inc Magazine, Erin Madden shares her ideas and beliefs that have propelled her to be one of Canada’s 10 Most Influential Leaders to Follow in 2023.

Below are the highlights of the interview

Going back to your early career decisions, please tell us what factors influenced you to establish Happy Kids Nutrition Academy.

Happy Kids Nutrition Academy offers online classes in nutrition and food science for kids ages 8-18. I started the Academy because I saw a need for more nutrition education for kids. There are many factors that influenced my decision to start the Academy, including my own experience as a parent and my professional background in nutrition.

As a parent, I know how important it is to make sure my kid is getting the nutrients he needs to grow and develop properly. I also know how challenging it can be to get kids to eat healthy foods. I wanted to create a place where struggling parents can enroll their children to learn about nutrition and how to make healthy choices.

As a nutritional consultant, I have worked with kids and families in a variety of settings. I have seen firsthand how poor nutrition can impact a child’s physical and emotional health. I have also seen how nutrition education can help people make lasting changes in their eating habits. I am passionate about helping people learn about nutrition, and I believe that the Academy can make a difference in the lives of kids and families.

I hope that by providing families with nutrition education, we can improve the health of kids and families across the world as we see kids from Canada, England, the United States, China, Switzerland, and many other countries.

How is Happy Kids Nutrition Academy leading the field in kids’ nutrition?

Happy Kids Nutrition Academy is leading the field in kids’ nutrition education because they are passionate about teaching kids the importance of good nutrition. The Academy offers a unique curriculum that is both comprehensive and interactive. They use fun games and activities to teach kids about the food guide, healthy eating habits, and how to make healthy food choices. Their goal is to educate and empower kids to make healthier choices that will lead to a lifetime of good health.

The Academy is also committed to research and innovation. We are constantly looking for new ways to improve their programs and make sure that they are using the most up-to-date information and resources. This commitment to excellence is what sets Happy Kids Nutrition Academy apart from other organizations in the field.

If you are looking for a trusted source of information on kids’ nutrition, look no further than Happy Kids Nutrition Academy. Our dedication to teaching kids about healthy eating habits is unmatched. Our programs are interactive and fun, and we use the most up-to-date information and resources. You can be confident that your kids will receive the best possible education at Happy Kids Nutrition Academy.

What is your vision for Happy Kids Nutrition Academy? And what would be the best roadmap to achieve that?

As the world progresses, so does the understanding of the impact of nutrition on health. No longer can the conversation be relegated to just talking about what we put into our bodies, but we must also discuss how those foods impact our overall wellness. It is with this understanding that I founded Happy Kids Nutrition Academy.

The Academy’s vision is to be the preeminent source of accurate, science-based nutrition information for kids and their families. Our mission is to empower kids to make healthy food choices and create lifelong healthy habits. We accomplish this by providing stable, fun, and age-appropriate nutrition education through our innovative online platform.

The Academy is unique in its approach to kids’ nutrition. We believe that all kids deserve access to nutrition education, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. We provide families with resources to help them make healthy choices at home.

The Academy has seen tremendous growth since its inception, and we’re not slowing down anytime soon. Our goal is to reach even more kids with our message and continue to grow our impact. We’re always exploring new ways to engage with kids and families, and we’re constantly expanding our curriculum to ensure that we’re providing the most up-to-date and relevant information.

What are the primary challenges of the industry? How are you tackling those?

As the childhood obesity rates in the United States and Canada, as well as other countries continue to rise, so does the demand for health and nutrition services for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the obesity rate among children aged six to eleven years old increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012. Furthermore, the CDC reports that the rate of obesity among adolescents aged twelve to nineteen years old increased from 5% to 21% over the same period of time.

The challenge that the Happy Kids Nutrition Academy faces is that many parents are not aware of the benefits of child nutrition courses. They may not see the need to take enroll a child if they feel that their child is eating a balanced diet and is at a healthy weight. Furthermore, they may not be able to afford our courses.

What milestones and achievements are you most proud of today?

In the past 2 years, we have met over 1000 kids in 20 countries. We have positively received numerous parent reviews that their child is eating more vegetables and grains and accepting to try new foods.

What are your priorities for 2023 and beyond?

As we look to the future, we are focused on increasing access to healthy food for all children. We know that not all families have the same resources, and we want to do our part to help close the gap. We are working on a number of initiatives to make healthy food more affordable and accessible for all families.

Give us a piece of advice that you would share with entrepreneurs just starting out?

If you’re an entrepreneur just starting out, there are a few pieces of advice that we think are essential for your success. First, be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your business. Second, enjoy the process. Building a business from the ground up is hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Third, believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in your idea, no one else will. These are just a few of the things you need to keep in mind as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey.