Since November 2004, schools have provided a free piece of fruit orvegetable to children aged four to six.
However researchers from the University of Leeds, examining almost 4,000schoolchildren in the North of England, found the 120m scheme wasnot effective in the long term.
Fruit intake increased by half a portion for the first seven months butthis boost disappeared completely when pupils were no longer eligiblefor the scheme.
The study also found parents may stop giving children fruit at home asthey assumed they were getting it at school.
Richard Watts of food campaigners Sustain said it was crucial to educatechildren as to why it was important to eat fruit.
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
