In the UK, industry trade association the Fresh Produce Consortium(FPC) has said that its lobbying efforts in favour of the School Fruit Scheme, along with thoseof othersupporters, have helped to secure the initiative's future until at least 2013.
The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme Provides 4-6 year olds in over 16,000 schools in England with a free piece of fruit or vegetable every day, delivered on behalf of Primary Care Trusts through a best-practice central procurement process.
While it had been at risk under the UK government's recent spending review, the Department of Health has nowconfirmed that the Scheme will now run in its current format until at least 2013, when the Primary Care Trusts will cease to exist.
'We are delighted that FPC has helped to secure a reprieve for this highly successful scheme,' said Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium. 'Thanks to the tremendous support from the fresh produce industry, schools and families we have averted the removal of free healthy snacks threatened by government spending cuts.'
The FPC's campaign backing the School Fruit Scheme received widespread support from across the fresh produce industry, as well as schools and families and campaigners for children's health.
'Ten pence a day is a small price to pay to help combat rising obesity and poor diet among children,' Mr Jenney noted.'The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme in England has proved that it can increase consumption of fresh produce and is well placed to give youngsters a head start for eating a healthy diet.
'We recognise that there might still be pressure on the continuation of the central procurement process for the Scheme beyond 2013 and FPC will persist in calling for its secure future,' he added.
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