The link between diet and health is clear. Health experts urge us to eat less fat, less sugar and less salt and more fruit and vegetables. Yet, as a nation, we are eating more of the things we shouldn't and less of the things we should and the results are showing up as heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes.

The World Health Organisation and the Government recommends that we eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day as part of a balanced diet. This advice is widely accepted, easy to understand and remember and, importantly, a positive message rather than something to give up. If this advice were to be taken up it would save thousands of lives and millions of pounds.

However, as a nation, we currently eat less fruit and vegetables than we should. Children eat around two portions a day and a significant minority (around one in five) eat no fruit and vegetables in a week. Dietary habits, set early in life, directly affect children's health, development and performance now and in the future. Schools can play a part in helping to ensure children have a healthier diet.

This Action Pack has been produced by the charity Sustain as part of the Grab 5! project with support from the Community Fund. It focuses on practical ways for primary schools to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables their pupils eat, at school, in the community and at home.

We hope it helps!
Sustain Grab 5! team

We hope it helps!
Sustain Grab 5! team