EMAIL USSave the future of the School Fruit and Veg Scheme
If the Government can save free milk for primary schools without waiting for the outcome of its spending review, then why can’t it retain the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme and its central procurement strategy - for just 10 pence a day? That’s a small price to pay for children’s health.
This successful Scheme has contributed to increasing consumption of fresh produce and establishing healthy eating habits at a critical young age.
The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme is part of the 5 A DAY programme to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Around two million 4-6 year olds in 16,000 LEA maintained infant, primary and special schools receive a free piece of fruit or vegetable each school day. That's about 99 per cent of eligible schools.
Devolving the Scheme to 150 Primary Care Trusts, and potentially in 2013 to individual Local Authorities, will be less cost effective, with the loss of critical economies of scale.
440 million pieces of fruit and veg go into the Scheme each year. Around 20 fresh produce businesses, mostly small to medium sized, are involved in the Scheme across England. For many, the Scheme is a significant part of their trade. Its restructuring or removal could have a devastating impact on their viability.
For more background download our briefing document.
Link to School Fruit and Veg Scheme: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/5ADAY/Pages/Schoolscheme.aspx
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