Free fruit initiative
Every pupil in Primary 1 and Primary 2 receives fruit three times a week as part of the Free Fruit in Schools initiative. The initiative was launched in 2003 to complement the Hungry for Success recommendations and the minimum nutritional standards for school meals.
The main aims, objectives and outcomes of the scheme are that:
- local authorities will work with producers, retailers and other key
- stakeholders to provide free fruit three times a week to all pupils in Primary 1 and Primary 2
- schools and local authorities will increase fruit consumption and awareness through education to encourage better health-related behaviours among children
- children's diets will improve and make healthy eating a real option
- the initiative will complement and support the nutritional standards for school meals.
In order to have an impact on eating habits, the Free Fruit initiative should:
- present fruit in an attractive way
- encourage children to try new tastes
- integrate free fruit with a positive learning experience
- make links to the curriculum
- adopt a whole school approach to healthier eating.
Schools could support pupils' learning about fruit and vegetables and their benefits by:
- visiting local farms to see fruit and vegetables being grown
- linking with fruit and vegetable packing or processing factories
- speaking to the local allotments association or group
- growing their own fruit and vegetables with support from interested parents, community groups or businesses.
Guidance
The Scottish Executive has issued detailed guidance for the Free Fruit initiative, which also contains examples of practice from schemes in Edinburgh and Glasgow which deliver free fruit to schools.
PDF file: Free Fruit in Schools Initiative for Primaries 1 and 2 (136KB)Useful links
Grab 5!
The Grab 5! project is designed to help schools encourage children to eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. The website contains links to resources, news, training and examples of practice. Grab 5! is run by Sustain, the alliance for better food and farming.
5-a-day the Bash Street way
The 5-a-day the Bash Street way resources have been produced by the Food Standards Agency to help schools encourage pupils to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. They include a themed assembly plan and support materials, curriculum support, suggestions for fruit tuck shops and a practical workbook.
Dole 5 a Day
The Dole 5 a Day website, produced by the Dole Food Company in the United States, emphasises the message about eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. There are separate areas for teachers, parents, catering services and kids, with lots of interactive activities.
