All smiles over free fruit

CASEY kids are getting stuck into fresh fruit as part of the Fresh Fruit Friday program.
Hundreds of students throughout the City of Casey are enjoying a variety of high quality, seasonal produce every Friday.
Narre Warren North Primary School has taken up the initiative for the first time this year.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan visited the school to check out the program.
“The kids were really enthusiastic about getting stuck into their fruit and vegetables. It’s great to see the Free Fruit Friday program continue, and to see the kids enjoy healthy foods,” Mr Donnellan said.
“It’s often presumed that it’s difficult to encourage young children to eat healthy foods, but these kids are really enjoying their fruit, which is a great habit to get into at a young age.”
The school uses its State Government grants to buy the fresh produce locally from Marco’s supermarket. The fruit is then prepared by parents at the school.
Principal Connie VanderVoort said the program had been keenly welcomed by the students and parents.
“The children really look forward to Fresh Fruit Fridays. They enjoy tasting a variety of new fruit and vegetables,” she said.
The Fresh Fruit Friday program is aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles among students, in conjunction with the development of the ‘Go for your life’ Healthy Canteen Kit, the removal of high-sugar content soft drinks from school canteens, and a total confectionery ban.