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.
The project, run by the Ministry of Health, focuses on encouraging and supporting schools in taking a ‘Health Promoting’ approach to supporting healthy eating.
FIS is one of the primary prevention initiatives earmarked in the government’s Cancer Control Strategy. 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 are selected to take part in the Fruit in Schools programme. FIS has been funded to provide fruit and support for up to 120 schools throughout New Zealand over the next three years.