Bowles calls for more fruit and vegetables to tackle child obesity

7.05.48pm GMT Mon 1st Dec 2008

€500 million has been pledged to school children in an attempt to tackle child obesity. Sharon welcomed this proposal which was part of a European Parliament report aimed at increasing the amounts of fruit and vegetables distributed to school children.

This extra €500 million will be spent on providing children at both school and pre-school with one piece of fruit per day. The report also contained measures to ensure that fruit and vegetables should meet the highest standards of quality and should preferably be seasonal, local and bio-friendly.

Commenting, Sharon said:

"The number of children being classified as obese is rising at a staggering rate owing to the excessive consumption of fatty and sweet foods. We need a complete revision of our attitude and approach to food otherwise the future health of our children is at risk.

"The popularity of Jamie Oliver's 'School Dinners' shows that this is clearly a topic people feel strongly about.

"The World Health Organisation recommends that children under 11 consume 400g of fruit and vegetables per day. Sadly, children in the UK and across Europe are falling well below this target.

"By encouraging schools to use local fruit and veg, we are encouraging children to adopt a healthy approach to food from a young age and at the same time supporting our local economies."