Fruit in Schools - Protected

Media Release:
Fruit in Schools - Protected

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) specialty nursing section representing 580 nurses in New Zealand working with children and young people is delighted that the government has backtracked on its initial decision to scrap the fruit in schools (FIS) programme as announced in February this year.

The FIS programme is an important initiative that targets high need primary schools and provides one piece of fresh fruit a day.

Research indicates New Zealand children generally have a low level of consumption of fruit and vegetables. “FIS aimed to provide a jump-start to healthy eating and lifestyle choices for children in regions of high social and health need. The programme was providing those children who need it most the opportunity to have fruit as part of their daily diet,” said NZNO's Nurses for Children and Young People Aotearoa Section representative Ruth Crawford.

“However, nurses are dismayed that the government has chosen to withdraw some of the funding supporting nurses from DHBs who worked alongside schools to oversee the programme. Teacher release time in schools supporting the programme has also been stopped.”

“NZNO applaud the decision to continue with FIS, but strongly encourage the government to also reconsider reinstating those vital staff who worked with the programme, ensuring its success,” Crawford said.

ENDS

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