Menu
08/01/2004
£77m earmarked for healthier eating in schools
A scheme that gives free fruit to schoolchildren will be rolled out nationwide, Health Secretary John Reid announced today.
More than one million children already benefit from the National School Fruit Scheme (NSFS), which was set up to promote healthy eating and help tackle obesity. It has been operating in four pilot regions since April 2002 through Lottery cash provided by the New Opportunities Fund.
The government is now investing £77 million to deliver free fruit for every 4-6 year old. Around 440 million pieces of fruit will be distributed to over two million children in some 18,000 schools across England, under the plans.
A new survey shows that children who regularly eat fruit in school as part of the scheme also consume more fruit outside school. Eight in ten parents said their child often or always ate the fruit provided at school.
Dr Reid said: "We're developing action plans on food, healthy eating and physical activity and we've set the food industry a deadline to outline their commitments to reducing salt levels in their products.
"We need to give people the information they need to make healthy choices about the way they live their lives."
(gmcg)
More than one million children already benefit from the National School Fruit Scheme (NSFS), which was set up to promote healthy eating and help tackle obesity. It has been operating in four pilot regions since April 2002 through Lottery cash provided by the New Opportunities Fund.
The government is now investing £77 million to deliver free fruit for every 4-6 year old. Around 440 million pieces of fruit will be distributed to over two million children in some 18,000 schools across England, under the plans.
A new survey shows that children who regularly eat fruit in school as part of the scheme also consume more fruit outside school. Eight in ten parents said their child often or always ate the fruit provided at school.
Dr Reid said: "We're developing action plans on food, healthy eating and physical activity and we've set the food industry a deadline to outline their commitments to reducing salt levels in their products.
"We need to give people the information they need to make healthy choices about the way they live their lives."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 April 2014
Five-A-Day Fruit And Veg Is Not Enough - UCL Report
Eating seven or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day reduces your risk of death at any point in time by 42% compared to eating less than one portion, according to a report by the University College London UCL.
Five-A-Day Fruit And Veg Is Not Enough - UCL Report
Eating seven or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day reduces your risk of death at any point in time by 42% compared to eating less than one portion, according to a report by the University College London UCL.
21 September 2005
‘More pesticides’ found in school fruit
Fruit and vegetables given to children in schools contain over 25% more pesticides than those sold in shops, research has revealed.
‘More pesticides’ found in school fruit
Fruit and vegetables given to children in schools contain over 25% more pesticides than those sold in shops, research has revealed.
27 January 2006
Eating fruit and vegetables could prevent strokes
Eating more fruit and vegetables could help reduce the risk of suffering a stroke, new research has suggested. In a study published in 'The Lancet', researchers at the University of London analysed results from eight studies from Europe, Japan and the US, involving over 257,000 participants.
Eating fruit and vegetables could prevent strokes
Eating more fruit and vegetables could help reduce the risk of suffering a stroke, new research has suggested. In a study published in 'The Lancet', researchers at the University of London analysed results from eight studies from Europe, Japan and the US, involving over 257,000 participants.
21 October 2009
Healthy Food 'Task Force' Launched
A new Task Force will help England to grow and eat more fruit and vegetables and improve the nation's health, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.
Healthy Food 'Task Force' Launched
A new Task Force will help England to grow and eat more fruit and vegetables and improve the nation's health, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.
20 August 2010
Green 'Leafy Vegetables' Reduce Diabetes Risk
Eating more green leafy vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, new research has claimed. The authors, led by Patrice Carter at the University of Leicester, said there is a need for further investigation into the potential benefits of green leafy vegetables.
Green 'Leafy Vegetables' Reduce Diabetes Risk
Eating more green leafy vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, new research has claimed. The authors, led by Patrice Carter at the University of Leicester, said there is a need for further investigation into the potential benefits of green leafy vegetables.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Much of the day will be dry with some hazy sunshine. Thickening cloud will bring some patchy rain from the southwest later in the afternoon. Warm. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:This evening will be cloudy with outbreaks of rain, these clearing away towards midnight. Then the rest of the night will be dry with clear periods. Minimum temperature 12 °C.
