Food education programme bears fruit.
More than 150 pupils from across South Birmingham schools gathered to celebrate healthy living as part of the Health for Life in primary schools programme.
Held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Monday 20th June, the event brought together representatives from 26 primary schools. The event showcased the work of around 8,500 pupils who have taken part in the Health for Life programme over the last year.
The Health for Life programme is currently running in primary and secondary schools and, since its launch in 2011, has reached 125 schools in the city involving around 50,000 students and reaching 100,000 adults, including school staff and families.
It is funded by the Mondelēz International Foundation, and delivered by the Health Education Service, in conjunction with Life Education Centres West Midlands and The Conservation Volunteers.
Dr Sandra Passmore, education adviser at the Health Education Service, said: “The Health for Life in primary schools programme encourages schools to develop active lifestyles and have an understanding around the importance of being healthy.
“Events such as these bring people together so that we can recognise their achievements and share healthy living ideas.”
Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, added: “We’ve seen some great examples of healthy cooking, gardening, and family involvement and it’s wonderful to talk to pupils and hear how much they’ve enjoyed taking part in new activities such as growing their own fruit and vegetables and after-school gardening clubs.
“We have no doubt that all the schools that have taken part in the programme this year will continue to lead a healthier lifestyle for years to come.”
The £3.1 million five year programme, supports activities that engage pupils, school staff and families in growing food, healthy eating and cookery and physical activity.
Schools have made wide ranging and sustainable changes – some of which have included opportunities for the whole family to get involved. For more information about Health for Life in primary and secondary schools, contact sandra.passmore@servicesforeducation.co.uk.