Heart foundation rejects claim on school snacks

THE Irish Heart Foundation strongly refutes the claim by the Snack Food Council of Ireland (Letters, March 4) that only an estimated 50 schools and third-level colleges stock savoury snack foods in vending machines.

An independent survey undertaken by NUI Galway on behalf of the Irish Heart Foundation last year showed that 57% of post-primary schools (195 schools) provide crisps and salty snacks in at least one outlet, including vending machines, tuck shops or school canteens.

Of the 343 schools that responded (45% of all post-primary schools), we found that 43 provided snacks in vending machines alone. But the Snack Food Council is asking us to believe there are only seven vending machines remaining in secondary schools and third-level colleges.