Nursery school children in Highland received more money to buy fruit and vegetables this week. The money comes from the Health Improvement Fund to promote better diets in young children. This is the second year of the funding, which lasts for 3 years. The Early Education Team have developed a fun filled pack based on the 4 seasons which links fruit and vegetable themes with the nursery school teaching. The Enormous Turnip is the theme for the Winter Pack and staff can arrange story telling, soup making, and vegetable printing sessions for their children.

“This project is not just about giving money to buy more fruit - although that is important. It is also about changing children’s diets in the long term. We want children to eat more fruit and vegetables as a part of their everyday diet - and not just when they are at the Nursery. Providing an education pack gives nurseries the opportunity to change children’s behaviour,” said Annette Davidson from the Early Education Team.

Fiona Clarke, Health Promotion Specialist in Nutrition, said:
“It is a priority to establish good eating habits in childhood. Eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day is the most important dietary message. We know from the evaluation of the first year of this project that some nurseries have developed innovative ways to encourage their children to enjoy more fruit and vegetables.”

The Health Improvement Fund is monies allocated from the Scottish Executive to every NHS Health Board to improve their population’s health. In Highland £100,000 has been allocated for projects associated with improving children’s diets over a three-year span, 2001-2004. The projects include free fruit for nursery aged children, and work to promote healthier eating in schools.