This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Healthy eating drive bears fruit in schools
29/12/2005
Primary pupils across Scotland are switching to healthy snacks according to new research - and more children are trying vegetables at lunchtime too.
The study looks at the impact of the Executive's drive to provide all primary one and two pupils with free fresh fruit three times each week.
Key findings include:
- 90 per cent of those surveyed said giving primary one and two pupils free fresh fruit was improving youngsters' eating habits
- 60 per cent also said that pupils were eating more fresh fruit and vegetables at lunchtime, as a result of the scheme
Education Minister Peter Peacock said:
"Young people are enjoying healthier school meals, fresh fruit and water as part of their daily routine. By introducing these healthy tastes at an early age we can encourage them to follow active, healthy lifestyles that will benefit them for the rest of their lives."
Health Minister Andy Kerr said:
"We have embarked upon a mission to improve our health as a nation and children's diets are central to that. It is now working, but we need to continue our efforts and ensure that everyone, particularly parents, play their role."
The free fresh fruit scheme is one part of the 'Hungry for Success' initiative. The Scottish Centre for Social Research looked at the roll-out of a scheme to provide free fresh fruit to pupils in primary one and two. They surveyed around a quarter of all Scottish primary schools and all local authorities to find out what they thought of the initiative.
Scotland's school inspectors unveiled the positive impact 'Hungry for Success' is already having on primary school meals across Scotland in a report published in October 2005.