Healthy Eating Policy Further Embedded In Schools

From today, schools must adopt a 'whole-school' approach to the provision of food to pupils and the teaching of healthy eating in class.

The launch of the 'Food in Schools' policy, a joint Department of Education and Department of Health document, draws together a number of existing strategies. It challenges schools to adopt a 'whole-school' approach so that children and young people receive a consistent message not only in what they are taught in the classroom about healthy eating, but also in the food that is available to them in the canteen, vending machines and tuckshops within their school.

Making the announcement, Education Minister John O’Dowd said: "Recent years have seen great strides in ensuring the provision of healthy, nutritious meals in our schools. Not only do they provide health benefits to children, they also aid learning in the classroom and lead to improved educational outcomes.

"Today we are launching a new 'Food in Schools' policy that will build on this important work. The document, which will be issued to all local schools, will help ensure that all pupils can not only avail of healthy and nutritious food at school, but that they can also develop the knowledge and skills to enable them to make healthy eating choices and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

"The policy highlights that schools are required to provide education on nutrition and healthy eating from the foundation stage right through to Key Stage 4. It will ensure all pupils in Key Stage 3 (years 8 to 10) receive education in home economics and have opportunities to explore ways to develop a healthy diet and to learn practical skills in the safe, hygienic and creative use of food."

(CD/MH)