Free fruit on Fridays

By Lia Bichel
PREP students at Thomas Mitchell Primary School have been devouring healthy snacks every week as part of the Free Fruit Friday program.
More than 110,000 prep to grade two Victorian students from more than 1000 schools have been eating their way to a healthy lifestyle in the program, which falls under the Go For Your Life initiative.
Thomas Mitchell Primary School in Endeavour Hills was one of more than 60 Victorian schools to join Free Fruit Friday for the first time in term three 2009.
Principal John Hurley said the students were enjoying it.
“They look forward to it every Friday,” he said.
“I think they are getting an understanding about fruit. Eventually we want to incorporate healthy eating habits for everyone in the school.”
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan said the program was a push to encourage healthier lifestyles and avoid obesity and diabetes.
“Children need fresh fruit and vegetables every day to grow up healthy and strong,” Mr Donnellan said.
“Families and schools play a crucial role in teaching young people how to adopt healthy eating practices.”
Mr Donnellan said schools participating in Free Fruit Friday would be able to access a range of educational materials to teach children the benefits of healthy eating.
They would also learn about the benefits of physical exercise through mandatory school sport and physical education and be encouraged to purchase fresh produce from local businesses.
The $11 million Free Fruit Friday program has had a three-fold increase in the number of students participating since the program started in 2007.
“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,” Mr Donnellan said.