Vegetable Scheme

This is a government programme that entitles children in Reception, Years 1 and 2 classes to receive one piece of fruit or vegetable each school day. This is an excellent way of teaching our children the benefits of healthy eating.  Years 3 to 6 can bring a piece of fruit or vegetable to eat at break time, if they wish.

The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme (SFVS) helps your child achieve 5 A Day. Fruit and vegetables are a good source of nutrients that children need and form part of a healthy, balanced diet. It's recommended that children - like adults - eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day. But research shows that on average children in England only eat about 3 portions, with many eating fewer.

For handy tips on how to get more fruit and veg into your children's diet, read 5 A Day and your family.

The SFVS and your child

If your child is aged 4 to 6 and attends a fully state-funded infant, primary or special school in England, they're entitled to receive a free piece of fruit or vegetable each school day.

That provides 1 of their 5 A Day portions, and the scheme also helps to increase awareness of the importance of eating fruit and vegetables, encouraging healthy eating habits that can be carried into later life.

Teachers find that distributing the fruit in class groups helps to encourage a sharing, calm, social time.

It also allows them to incorporate the scheme into teaching and learning.

SFVS and the school day

The fruit and vegetables are delivered to schools 3 times a week to ensure freshness.

Depending on the season, there's a choice of:

• bananas

• apples

• pears

• carrots

• tomatoes

• easy-peel citrus fruits, such as satsumas