🍎 Encouraging Healthy Snacking in Schools 🍌
It’s amazing what a difference one piece of fruit can make! At Coed y Dderwen Community Primary in Merthyr Tydfil, the kids are discovering new favourites and getting the nutrition they need to thrive, thanks to a free fruit and veg programme. 🌟
Little Thomas, just five years old, is now a fan of mangoes and bell peppers, while Penelope’s adventurous spirit led her to try blackberries for the first time. Romeo’s new go-to snack is mini cucumbers! 🥒🍓
This initiative is part of a larger programme that supports around 400 schools across the UK, ensuring kids have access to fresh, healthy snacks throughout the day. In challenging times, with food costs on the rise, not every child has the luxury of fresh fruit at home, making these programmes so vital. 🍇🥗
Teachers at the school notice that when hungry children have access to fruit, it can turn their day around. It’s not just about alleviating hunger but making sure kids are in the best position to learn and play. 🏫
Beyond just eating, the children are hands-on, learning to prepare their own snacks and even growing some produce in the school’s restored polytunnel. From pumpkins to purple broccoli, they’re cultivating quite the green thumb! 🌽🍏
Family engagement officer Harriet Hodgson points out that child poverty is a growing issue, and schools are becoming an essential part of the solution, doing much more than just providing free meals. These engaging activities not only fill tummies but also nourish young minds.
Every week, any leftover fruit is available for families to take home, extending the programme’s reach even further. It’s about creating stronger community ties and ensuring every child gets the start they deserve. 🏠
As the cost of living continues to impact families, initiatives like these are crucial. Let’s keep those smiles bright and bellies full. If you’ve got a similar story or programme in your area, share it with us! We’d love to hear how communities are coming together to support our young ones. ❤️