Hunter schools go bananas in war on obesity

Sourced: Cancer Council

Fresh bananas and apples have toppled chocolate and doughnuts from the traditional school fundraising drive as research reveals the fatty snacks leave a sour taste in parents’ mouths.

A leading parent group survey shows eight out of ten* parents disagree with unhealthy fundraisers, as more than 20 Hunter primary schools introduce fruit and vegetable alternatives in a move against obesity.

Hunter families have devoured the nutritious deal, having bought about 800 bargain priced boxes – or about 50,000 pieces of fruit and vegetables – since Cancer Council NSW’s Fruit n Veg Fundraiser launched in August.

Tammy Wilson, Nutrition Project Officer at Cancer Council NSW said the program had been a resounding success at participating schools, which have jointly raised more than $4,000 for resources and equipment – a figure set to reach about $7000 by the years end.

“Parents have a tough enough job trying to encourage their kids to eat healthily, without them being encouraged to sell fatty snacks to their friends, families and neighbours,” Ms Wilson said.

“Nearly one in four children are now obese and this program is a great way of reducing the temptation for students to indulge in chocolate and doughnuts, while encouraging them to eat more fruit and vegetables.

“Lifelong habits begin from a young age. If we can show families that fruit and vegetables are both healthy and tasty then we can begin to make a difference to long term health problems associated with obesity, such as cancer and heart attack,” she said.

Judy Collin, Principal at New Lambton South Primary School said “The healthy fundraising idea has proved to be extremely popular with parents and children at our school, who have been impressed with the freshness and bargain prices of the fruit and vegetable boxes.

“At the same time, it is a great way for our school to continue running profitable fundraisers as we have done for many years – but, with one big difference; minus the junk food,” she said.

The Fruit ‘n’ Veg Fundraiser is part of Cancer Council NSW’s Eat It To Beat It Program which promotes healthy diets to Hunter families with primary school children through education, cooking classes and supermarket tours. The Fruit ‘n’ Veg Fundraiser boxes are supplied by John Rarity Wholesale, Sandgate.

If you are a Hunter primary school and would like more details on running the Fruit ‘n’ Veg Fundraiser, contact Tammy Wilson on (02) 4961 0988 or email eatittobeatit@nswcc.org.au