Fruit in schools

Fruit in Schools
www.moh.govt.nz/fruitinschools

Fruit in Schools (FIS) is an initiative to encourage children to eat more fruit and adopt healthier lifestyles. Research indicates New Zealand children generally have a low level of consumption of fruit and vegetables. FIS aims to provide a jump-start to healthy eating and lifestyle choices for children in regions of high social and health need.

The project has two parts. The first focuses on encouraging and supporting schools in taking a Health Promoting Schools/whole school community approach to supporting healthy eating, physical activity, smoke free and sun protection. The second is a targeted component for children attending high need primary schools who will receive a free piece of fruit each day for up to three years

FIS is one of the primary prevention initiatives earmarked in the government’s Cancer Control Strategy to receive new funding. The strategy identifies four health promotion areas – physical activity, food and nutrition, sun protection and smoke free as key areas to focus on in the prevention of cancer in the New Zealand population.

Schools selected to take part in the FIS programme will be expected to work towards becoming a Health Promoting School or to take a whole school approach to addressing the four areas of focus. Health Promoting Schools provides a framework and process for improving the health and well being of school communities.

FIS has been funded to provide fruit and support for up to 120 schools throughout New Zealand over the next three years.

Contact us
For more information or if you would like to provide feedback on Fruit in Schools email fruitinschools@moh.govt.nz.

Page last updated: 17 July 2009

Latest news

17 July 2009: Current status of the Fruit in Schools programme - letter to providers (Word, 28 KB)
This letter informs schools and district health boards of the current status of the Fruit in Schools programme.