The number of children achieving their five-a-day target has increased by 13% in two years, according to a report out today by the Department of Health.
Figures from the Further Evaluation of The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme show the number of children achieving five-a-day has increased from 27% in March 2004 to 44% in November 2006.
It also indicates that the number of portions consumed has also increased, and on average 50% of children in the scheme are close to achieving their five-a-day target.
Overall there has been significant increases in the consumption of fruit and vegetables since the last evaluation carried out two years ago, and from the baseline measured in March 2004, before the scheme was introduced into the schools included in this study.
It appears that the most significant factor in the increase in fruit and vegetables consumed by the children surveyed are improvements to school meals.
Beverly Hughes, Minister for Children, Young People and Families, said: “If we are to tackle obesity and get children interested in fruit and vegetables we have to start young. That is why this scheme is so important. I’m pleased to see that school meals are having an impact on diet.”
