Why promote fruit and veg?
There is overwhelming evidence of the health benefits of eating
fruit and vegetables, particularly in reducing the risks of heart
disease, and some cancers. Recent research has shown that children
who eat the most fruit are 38% less likely to develop cancer in
adulthood than those with the lowest intake (Maynard et al, Journal
of Epidemiology and Community Health, Feb 2003).
The World Health Organisation recommends that we eat at least five
portions of fruit and vegetables a day to be healthy now and in
the future. In the UK, on average people eat two or three portions
with children eating less than adults. Schools can play a key role
in encouraging children to eat more.
Who is this publication for?
Any individual or organisation that plans to support local schools
in promoting fruit and vegetables may find this booklet helpful.
It outlines how an area-wide, primary school fruit and vegetable
project may be implemented.
The suggestions are based on the experiences of the Grab 5! team
at Sustain, the alliance for better food and farming. This publication
should help whether your area is implementing the Grab 5! programme
or whether it is promoting fruit and vegetables to primary school
children as part of another project, such as a community five-a-day
initiative, the National School Fruit Scheme or the National Healthy
Schools Standard.
Don't forget the other materials that are available from Sustain,
all of which can be downloaded free from the Grab 5! website, www.grab5.com.
These include a key stage 2 curriculum pack, an action pack, a model
food policy, the evaluation report and the Grab 5! logo and graphics.
We recommend nine steps for implementing a primary school fruit
and vegetable project. Don't, however, feel restricted by these
suggestions. Every local area will have their own approach and way
of working. If you find that some of our tips don't work or you'd
like to add some from your own experience, we'd be delighted to
hear from you (see our contact details on the back cover).
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