Students give top marks to healthy-eating scheme

Secondary schools in the Mid-West are combating obesity through a food initiative given the thumbs-up by increasing numbers of teenagers, parents and teachers.

In just two years, The School Food Company educational initiative has embraced six schools in Limerick and Clare. The company will next month introduce a new payment system allowing parents to top up their child’s account online and actively participate in their diet at school.

School Food Company’s managing director Ken Boland said: “Our ethos is simple — to help children and young people make healthier food choices by making healthy food available in schools. Nutritious food leads to improved behaviour and academic performance.”

Over 3,000 students — 60% of the total — have bought into the regime, and numbers are due to reach 4,000 with the addition of a seventh school next month.

School principal at Hazelwood College, Dromcollagher, Brendan Burke, said: “We felt that The School Food Company’s ethos best fitted with our curriculum and needs. It’s great to see so many kids eating fruit around the school.”