Children at hundreds of schools around the country will be learning about the benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables in their diet as part of this year’s British Food Fortnight.
The nationwide event, which runs from September 20 to October 5, is supported this year by the department of health’s 5 A DAY campaign, so fruit and vegetables will be the focus of activities both at home and in the classroom.
The event’s organisers are encouraging schools to ask parents in particular to get involved during the fortnight. Suggestions include asking pupils and their families to monitor how much fruit and veg they eat during the fortnight, or cookery homework activities that also involve parents. And schools also have the opportunity to use their regular mailings to give parents advice and tips on encouraging their children to eat more fruit and vegetables and reach their 5 A DAY.
“British Food Fortnight is the largest volunteer movement educating young people about food,” said Alexia Robinson, organiser of the event. “Some 41,500 chefs and retailers have been sent information about helping schools teach children about food during the event, so every school in the UK should be able to find someone near them willing and eager to help.
“We are delighted that 5 A DAY is supporting this year’s event. Healthy eating has always been one of the key messages of British Food Fortnight and the growing trend towards obesity makes it all the more important that children should learn how easy and beneficial it is to eat enough fruit and vegetables - and that it’s enjoyable as well.”
