Study Shows Providing Fruit Snack at School Increases Children's Intake
August 24, 2007
A recent report from Nottingham University in the U.K. concludes that school-based fruit snack programs are an effective means of increasing fruit intake in young children, including those who live in socio-economically deprived areas. Starting in 2002, all children ages 4-6 in England began to receive a daily fresh fruit snack at school for free. The program, a national initiative of the UK government, was implemented specifically to increase children's consumption of fruit as a means of improving their health. "England is one of many countries around the world that find that school fresh fruit and vegetable snack programs are a cost-effective way to improve children's health and reduce their risk of overweight and obesity" said Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, vice president of nutrition and health. "As this report notes, these school-based programs need to be sustained over time in order to provide maximum benefits to young children. This is why it is so critical that the 2007 U.S. Farm Bill include mandatory funding for the U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to reach students in all 50 states." For more information contact Lorelei DiSogra.
United Fresh Produce Association
1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202 303 3400
Fax: 202 303 3433 united@unitedfresh.org
