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SunLive Food insecurity : Fruit in Schools crucial The Bay News First

The Rise of Fruit in Schools

In recent years, the issue of food deprivation among students has become a pressing concern. Many schools struggle to provide nutritious meals to their students, leading to a rise in food insecurity.

The Alarming Rise of Food Insecurity

The 2025 State of the Nation report paints a stark picture of a country struggling with food insecurity. The data reveals a concerning trend where one in four households with children are now experiencing food insecurity. This is a staggering increase from previous years, and it’s essential to understand the root causes of this issue.

Factors Contributing to Food Insecurity

Several factors contribute to the rise in food insecurity, including:

  • Economic instability: The cost of living continues to rise, making it difficult for many families to afford basic necessities, including food. Poverty: Poverty is a significant contributor to food insecurity, as those living in poverty often struggle to access affordable food options. Lack of access to healthy food: Many communities lack access to healthy food options, making it difficult for families to make informed choices about their diet. Cultural and social factors: Cultural and social factors, such as food preferences and traditions, can also play a role in food insecurity. ## Pasifika Families and Food Insecurity

    • Pasifika Families and Food Insecurity

    Pasifika families are disproportionately affected by food insecurity. The data reveals that one in two Pasifika families say they go without food regularly. This is a concerning trend, as Pasifika families are already vulnerable to food insecurity due to a range of factors, including:

  • Limited access to healthy food: Pasifika communities often have limited access to healthy food options, making it difficult for families to make informed choices about their diet. Cultural and social factors: Pasifika families often have strong cultural and social ties to traditional food practices, which can make it difficult for them to adapt to new food options.
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    • The Government-funded School Lunch Scheme

    The Government-funded school lunch scheme is a program that provides meals to students in participating schools. The scheme is funded by the government and is designed to support students who may not have access to nutritious meals outside of school.

    The Challenges of Providing Nutritious Meals

    Despite the scheme’s good intentions, many principals report that the provided meals lack fresh fruit. This is a significant challenge, as fresh fruit is an essential component of a healthy diet. The lack of fresh fruit in school meals can have serious consequences for students’ health and well-being.

    The Impact on Students’ Health and Well-being

    The lack of fresh fruit in school meals can have serious consequences for students’ health and well-being. *Some potential health risks include:**

          • • Malnutrition
          • • Obesity
          • • Increased risk of chronic diseases
          • • Negative impact on cognitive function and academic performance

            • The Role of Principals and Parents

            Principals and parents play a crucial role in ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals. They can work together to advocate for changes to the school lunch scheme, such as increasing the availability of fresh fruit.

            “FIS has a profound impact on our school’s culture and community,” she says. “It has helped us to develop a sense of belonging and identity, and has enabled us to build strong relationships with our students, parents, and staff.”

            The Benefits of FIS

            FIS has numerous benefits for schools, including:

          • Improved student outcomes
          • Enhanced school culture and community
          • Increased parental engagement
          • Better staff morale and retention
          • Improved student well-being and mental health

            • These benefits are not limited to the school itself, but also have a positive impact on the wider community.

            FIS in Action

            FIS is more than just a program – it’s a way of life. Here are some examples of how FIS is being implemented in schools:

          • Student-led initiatives: Students are taking ownership of their learning and well-being, leading to a sense of empowerment and motivation. Staff training and support: Schools are investing in staff training and support to help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to implement FIS effectively.

            The review also identified areas for improvement, including the need for more effective communication between the FIS and the farmers.

            The FIS Programme: A Review of its Effectiveness

            Background

            The FIS programme, which stands for Farm Input Subsidy, is a government-led initiative aimed at supporting smallholder farmers in accessing affordable inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs.

            The program aims to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among children in schools.

            The Origins of Fruit in Schools

            The Fruit in Schools program was first introduced in 2004 as a pilot project. The pilot was successful, and it led to the launch of the full program in 2005. The program’s origins can be attributed to the growing concern about the health and wellbeing of children in Aotearoa. In the early 2000s, there was a significant increase in childhood obesity rates, and the government was looking for ways to address this issue.

            The Problem of Childhood Obesity

            Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern in Aotearoa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), childhood obesity is a major risk factor for a range of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. The WHO also reports that childhood obesity is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. The WHO recommends that children aged 5-17 years should consume at least 400g of fruits and vegetables per day. In Aotearoa, the recommended daily intake is 250g of fruits and vegetables per day.*

            The Fruit in Schools Program

            The Fruit in Schools program aims to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among children in schools. The program is funded by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora and is delivered by United Fresh New Zealand Incorporated.

            FIS provides daily fresh fruit and vegetables for Year 1- 8 tamariki in schools and kura in high deprivation areas. The initiative has grown to reach:

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