Free school fruit to 1,100 primary schools

A condition for participation is that, at the end of the 20 weeks, the school will independently continue the school fruit programme on at least two pre-established days per week for the rest of the year. Parents may provide the fruit or vegetables, but distribution can also be arranged through a supplier.

Sweets and savouries

Currently, only 2% of Dutch children eat enough vegetables. And one out of seven children is overweight. If children believe that fruit and vegetables make good snacks, this could lessen their snacking on sweets and savouries. Research shows that children who attend schools with a good school policy on fruit often choose to snack on fruit at home. They also eat more vegetables than they did before.

Secondary schools

This year, secondary schools will also participate in the free fruit at school programme. A pilot project will see grades 1 and 2 of 15 schools receive three portions of fruit or vegetables for 20 weeks. The pilot was set up precisely because children become more independent during the transition to secondary school. The School Fruit Programme helps contribute to their awareness of the importance of a healthy diet. Next year, after evaluation of the pilot, the group of secondary schools able to participate in the programme may be expanded.

Cooperation

The EU School Fruit Scheme is funded by the European Union, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and four suppliers (Schoolfruit.nu in cooperation with The Greenery, Kids & SchoolFruit, Fruitmoment and Halm Schoolfruit). The Netherlands Nutrition Centre is supporting the programme. The budget is 5.9 million euros.