Fruit in Schools goes down a treat
Schools are getting fruitier, with more fresh produce in schools than ever before through the extended Fruit in Schools programme.
The programme started in 2005, and this year was broadened to reach 547 schools throughout the country – estimated to include 100,000 children, a spokeswoman for the Minister of Health said.
Thirteen of the poorest schools in the Midcentral District Health Board zone take part.
Schools must be decile 1 or 2 to join, and the new funds mean schools whose decile rating is moved upward into decile 3 are now allowed to remain in the programme.
So far this year more than 11 million pieces of produce have been served up nationally, and Palmerston North’s Awapuni School is among those who benefit.
Teacher Janine Stephens said the children loved eating fruit.
In her year 1 and 2 class the fruit bowl was brought out at morning tea time, and was available to students throughout the day if they were hungry.
‘‘They are really lucky because they get their vitamins. They really appreciate it, and after school they clear the bowl and take stuff to eat on the way home.’’
Year 1 pupil Tylla Chalmers is a big fan: ’’I eat apples every day. It keeps you healthy, and it keeps you strong,’’ she said as she bit into a big New Zealand Rose apple.
School co-ordinator Christina Brears said there was probably about one child a day without lunch at the school, but between the fruit and the Breakfast in Schools programme, the children were fed.
‘‘Being a low-decile school ... having that food for our kids is awesome ... any school in our position would find it hard.
‘‘For starters they are getting food, and they are getting good food into them.
‘‘Their favourite fruit is probably mandarins, and bananas. Sometimes you get strawberries, and carrots are good.’’