Fruit in Schools proves worth
Some 44% of principals said “many families” were providing fewer sugary drinks and less junk food in school lunches.
The Fruit In Schools programme is for a 10th year providing around 20 million servings of fresh fruit and vegetables to 480 low-decile primary and intermediate schools every day during the academic year.
The programme is funded by the Ministry of Health and managed by United Fresh New Zealand and the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust, which has commissioned new research on its effectiveness.
The survey found 46% of principals saw fewer behaviour problems in the classroom, while 74% said concentration in class had increased as a result.
Some 66% of principals reported an improvement in students’ general health, with 35% saying students had fewer sick days.
The healthy eating messages of the programme are extending beyond the school gate, with principals reporting it was also having a positive impact on the children’s home environment and parental behaviours.
Some 44% of principals said “many families” were providing fewer sugary drinks and less junk food in school lunches.
All the principals agreed Fruit In Schools contributed to students’ positive attitudes, awareness and knowledge of healthy eating.
One principal said the programme had triggered wider dietary changes and the school was now a water-only school for drinks.
Nevil Gibson for NBR Food Industry Week
Thu, 12 Feb 2015
Thu, 12 Feb 2015
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Fruit in Schools proves worth
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