Pomewest’s Apple Happy Schools Program
Pomewest’s Schools Program a Winner in 2024
Primary schools love having apples involved in their school activities. And while most kids are apple lovers, the WA Apples in Schools program reminds us that some children have never even tried an apple or come from homes where fresh fruit is not readily available. This year, we extended the program to include pears to be sure kids are also happy pear lovers.
Fruit consumption is constantly under threat by highly marketed processed snack products. With an estimated one in four West Aussie kids now considered overweight or obese, it is important to teach kids to enjoy fresh health fruit. The healthy eating focus within schools continues to present opportunities to work with kids across age groups in schools.
Throughout May, WA primary schools celebrated Crunch and Move as a part of the Crunch & Sip strategy designed to encourage students to eat more vegetables and fruit. This initiative of the Cancer Council of WA provides an excellent opportunity to engage with schools early in the
The WA Apples in Schools program has been funded by the local apple and pear industry for over 12 years. This year, 22 metropolitan primary schools participated which involved over 4150 students across 175 classes.
The creativity of teachers and students is always impressive. Evaluation forms, photos and work samples returned by participating classes, demonstrates the apples provided an extremely positive experience within schools. The apples were actively used within classroom programs as well as for ride to school initiatives, breakfast club activities and playground initiatives as well as incorporated into Crunch and Sip celebrations.
Fresh new season pears and Bravo apples were an excellent trigger for discussions on healthy eating, sustainability, seasons and importance of supporting local producers. They were also integrated across the curriculum into lessons on science, sustainability, English, sport, health and cooking. Some schools made the apples the focus of school wide programs and included extensive coverage through their newsletters and parent communications.
Teachers all do such different things with the apples and pears but the results still have the impact of getting the kids eating them! Comments from teachers provide enthusiastic feedback as to the value of this program in converting children into apples lovers.
“This year Pomewest provided a carton of shiny new season pears and Bravo apples supplied with support from WA Farm Direct. Schools are given free reign to integrate the fruit in any way appropriate for their students and school priorities. ”