Researchers from the University of Leeds and the National Foundation forEducational Research noted a significant increase in average fruit andvegetable consumption over the past two years, with 44 per cent ofchildren eating five portions a day in 2006, compared with 27 per centin 2004.
But they said the schools scheme, introduced in 2004, was unlikely to bean important factor in the increase because it provides mainly fruit,while the increase is mainly in vegetables.
As with an earlier study (News, 19 July), the researchers found thatfruit and vegetable consumption dropped between Year 2 and Year 3, whenpupils are no longer eligible for the scheme.
The study looked at the impact of the scheme on 1,666 children from 38schools in the north-east. It attributed the overall rise in fruit andvegetable intake to improvements in school dinners.
But children continued to eat unhealthy snacks as well, suggesting thefruit and vegetable scheme is ineffective as a means of combating childobesity.
Project director Sandie Shagen said, 'The increase in vegetableconsumption was particularly interesting. When we analysed this furtherwe found children eating school dinners had a much higher vegetableintake than children eating packed lunches.'
The study also found that children taking packed lunches had more fruit,juice and snacks, while those having school dinners ate significantlyfewer snacks and desserts.
The report, Further Evaluation of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme,is available at www.doh.gov.uk.