Schools stoked to join free fruit scheme

The Fruit in Schools programme has expanded, including four more Rotorua schools on its list.

Pupils from four Rotorua schools will be added to the existing list of primary and intermediate-aged children benefiting from the Fruit in Schools programme.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman announced yesterday an extra $1.2 million would be injected into the Fruit in Schools programme.

Whangamarino, Malfroy, Owhata and Lake Rotoma schools were among the 77 new schools added to the programme as a result of the additional funding.

"Healthy eating helps fuel the body and the brain, that's why the Fruit in Schools programme is so beneficial to pupils," Dr Coleman said.

Through the programme, schools receive high quality seasonal fruit and vegetables, and children get to sample up to 33 different types of fruit or vegetables during the year.

It is anticipated the new schools will start receiving fruit from the beginning of term two next year.

Owhata Primary School principal Bob Stiles said being one of the new schools added to the list was really exciting.

"As soon as our decile changed, I started contacting the programme to try and get our children on it. We have been doing a breakfast club for about seven years now, but Fruit in Schools will do wonders for our kids.

"The difference programmes like Fruit in Schools make for our tamariki is huge. We are so grateful for the help we get from these initiatives because every bit helps."

Whangamarino School principal Rawiri Wihapi said the school was stoked to be included in the programme.

"It is really awesome for us to be one of the schools to benefit from the extra funding. We get assistance from other programmes like Fonterra Milk for Schools and KidsCan so this is an added bonus for our tamariki."

Mr Wihapi said his teachers were rapt with the news.

"Tamariki always work better and have more concentration when their bellies are full of healthy food. We were originally a decile three school, so were not eligible to apply for this programme. When our decile changed we were able to be considered."