Bath school parents to fund pupil's fruit and veg after government suspends scheme
There are fears that some of the most disadvantaged children in the West Country are being denied access to fresh produce during lockdown because the government has suspended an essential scheme.
Children in Reception and Year One would normally receive a piece of fruit or vegetable a day at break time but they have been forced to go without for the last three months.
West Country schools welcome more pupils back as lockdown eases
Headteachers say they have to put safety before learning as schools re-open
Parents at Moorlands School in Bath say were so outraged when they discovered the The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme had been stopped that the PTA decided to raise money to provide fresh produce until the end of the summer term.
Hannah Cameron McKenna, a parent, says the scheme is really important as for some it could be the first thing they eat all day.
She adds: "If they haven't had breakfast the banana they have at 10am break time might be the first thing they eat and it might also be the only piece of fruit or veg they eat all day at all."
The Government maintains The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme was suspended because of operational difficulties during lockdown and says the situation is under review.
But research has shown that during lockdown the country's most disadvantaged children are eating less fruit, fewer vegetables, and more salty and sugary snacks and drinks.
Bristol University becomes second in the UK to confirm lectures will stay online
Cornwall students anxious about 'digital lectures' in first term of university
Parents say the government needs to bring fruit and vegetables back to the classroom now so that the most vulnerable children have access to nutritional food.
In a statement, The Department of Health and Social Care said: "The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme has been paused so as little fresh produce goes to waste as possible while we work to bring more children back to school.
"Funding which would have been spent on the scheme is being used to support the NHS and other priorities during the pandemic."