More than 120,000 more primary school students will have an even healthier start to the 2010 school year thanks to the expansion of the Brumby Labor Government’s popular ‘Go for your life’ Free Fruit Friday program.
A further 81 Victorian government schools have joined 1074 schools already signed up to the $11.1 million initiative, including Koondrook and Lake Charm Primary Schools and Murrabit Group School.
Under Free Fruit Friday, Years Prep to Two students from across the state have been enjoying weekly serves of free fruit and vegetables since the program began in 2007.
Member for Northern Victoria, Candy Broad said Free Fruit Friday has been instrumental in educating young students and their families about the benefits of a healthy diet.
“Children need fresh fruit and vegetables every day to grow up healthy and strong, and this program has proven to be a fantastic way to get these vital health messages across,” Ms Broad said.
“We all know that bad habits are harder to break as you get older, so it is imperative that children develop a healthy attitude to food while they are still young.”
Ms Broad said Free Fruit Friday also encourages parents to ensure their kids are getting the healthy food and nutrients they need.
Ms Broad said schools are encouraged to purchase fresh produce from local businesses as part Free Fruit Friday.
“Not only are we ensuring our young people get the best possible start in life, we are encouraging schools to buy local and support their local communities,” Ms Broad said.
Schools participating in Free Fruit Friday can also access a range of educational materials to teach children the benefits of healthy eating. Students will also continue to learn about the benefits of physical activity through mandatory school sport and physical education.
Free Fruit Friday complements a raft of Brumby Labor Government initiatives aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles among students, including:
- The development of the ‘Go for your life’ Healthy Canteen Kit;
- The removal of high sugar content soft drinks from government school canteens;
- A ban on confectionery sales at Victorian government schools;
- The ‘Go for your life’ Kitchen Garden Project with Stephanie Alexander.