The Department of Health's evaluation of the school fruit and vegetable scheme found the number of children eating the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables has increased from 27 per cent in March 2004 to 44 per cent in November 2006. Improvements to school meals appeared to be the most significant factor in the increase in fruit and vegetable consumption.
But children taking a packed lunch are less likely to get their recommended levels of fruit and vegetables than those eating school meals and are more likely to eat more snacks than those eating school dinners.
The study also found the scheme did not have a sustained impact on children's consumption - when children came out of the scheme their eating habits returned to the same levels as before.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
