Big problem

Stephen Jardine’s column “School lunch police are only trying to help” (30 September) highlights a worrying trend in Scotland of childhood obesity, with more than a quarter of Scottish children currently overweight. His article rightly points out that intervention is necessary, with education being key to preventing Scotland, as a nation, getting bigger. At Business in the Community Scotland, we agree that such interventions must begin in school from nursery age right through high school – and so we do just that. We work in partnership with Education Scotland and the Scottish Government in the Food for Thought education programme. The programme brings together responsible businesses of all sizes, charity partners, social enterprises, parents, teachers and pupils in food-related projects, to encourage healthier eating habits and foster a better understanding of food.

As well as providing role models who can inspire children and encourage them to learn more about food through fun, interactive sessions like the Healthy Breakfast Challenge, this initiative benefits the partner businesses by providing volunteer opportunities, networking and leadership skills.

We welcome the opportunity to play our part in raising healthy, confident, educated children who can achieve their full potential. ALAN THORNBURROW Director, Business in the

Community Scotland Discovery Terrace, Edinburgh