Why Have Fruit and Vegetables In School?
We have opted to take part in a national government programme which entitles all children aged between four and six a free piece of fruit or a vegetable each school day. So far we have enjoyed apples, pears, bananas, satsumas and carrots. The fruit and vegetables will vary depending upon what is in season.
Every child deserves the best start in life. Research shows that good health in childhood is an important building block for health in later life. Eating fruit and vegetables can help to protect your child's health in several ways;
- Fruit and vegetables provide many vitamins and minerals that are important to your child's growth and development.
- They can help protect against heart disease and some forms of cancer later in life.
- Eating Fruit and vegetables reduces the symptoms of asthema in childhood - especially in children who have difficulty in breathing problems.
The school fruit and vegetable scheme is part of a national 5 A DAY programme. Fruit and vegetables are a key to a healthier lifestyle for us all and experts recommend that everyone eats at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. On average children in England eat only 2 portions a day and many children eat fewer than that. A national survey found that one in five children didn't eat any fruit at all in a week!
For the latest information on the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme or if you would like information in another language, please visit www.dh.gov.uk/healthtopics
