Good nutrition fuels brain’, head declar

THE foundations for lifelong healthy living are laid at school, a passionate headteacher says.

- Giles Sheldrick

Learning about positive relationships with food is crucial in an era where children are tempted at every turn, with obesity a clear and ever present danger.

It may seem an uphill battle, but at Rimrose Hope Church of England Primary School in Liverpool, the results are encouraging.

Head Lawrence Crilly said: "We prefer to nudge children in the right direction by offering them the opportunities to try the things they like, while at the same time emphasising how one choice is better for them than another.

"Children are more likely to carry these habits into adulthood, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life." Youngsters at the school, which has 349 pupils aged between two and 11, are among up to 140,000 in primary and secondary establishments across the UK eating at least one piece of fresh fruit or veg a day, thanks to the Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools initiative.

£4million The retail giant's scheme identified 400 schools in some of the most deprived areas, with the aim of giving kids access to fresh and nutritious produce. It was launched last month by celebrity chef Poppy O'Toole.

The funding allocated to each school is proportionate to the number of pupils it has, ranging from £4,000 to £21,000 annually.

Each is given a prepaid card allowing them to visit their nearest Tesco store whenever they like, to load up with mountains of fruit and veg to prepare both in and outside of the classroom.

Rimrose Hope has 173 pupils or 55.8% of its intake - eligible for free school meals.