3rd Sep 2007 - 00:00
Abstract
As millions of children across the country prepare to go back to school, new figures released by the Department of Health have shown that the number of kids eating five pieces of fruit and vegetables has increased by 13% in two years.
An evaluation of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme shows that the initiative is working.
The government has said that they believe this uptake in fruit and vegetable consumption is a direct result of the improvements to school meals.
Children eating school meals are more likely to achieve their 5 A DAY than those bringing packed lunches. Those eating school dinners also eat less snacks than children who bring packed lunches.
Health Minister, Ben Bradshaw said: "Children eating more fruit and vegetables each day and reaching their 5 A DAY is excellent news. Several surveys now point to a significant rise in fruit and vegetable consumption across all sectors of the population linked to increased awareness of eating 5 A DAY and the importance of a healthy diet. We now need to look at the potential for exploiting the opportunities provided by the Scheme to support healthy eating initiatives in schools and engage school communities in the wider strategy to tackle obesity and ensure that when children leave the scheme they continue to eat their 5 A DAY."
Beverly Hughes, Minister for Children, Young People and Families, said: "If we are to tackle obesity and get children interested in fruit and vegetables we have to start young. That is why this scheme is so important. I'm pleased to see that school meals are having an impact on diet and new tougher regulations coming in this week will mean that young people can no longer buy fizzy drinks, chocolate bars and crisps in tuck shops or vending machines in schools. Junk food is now off the menu throughout the school day."