The National Food Dudes – Healthy Eating Programme for schools has been in operation since early 2007 and to date has been introduced to 1800 primary schools and some 262,000 children. This programme is managed by Bord Bia and receives financial support from the Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Food and the European Union through the School Fruit Scheme. It is well documented that Fruit and vegetables are essential for good health and the important role they play in a healthy balanced diet. Research has shown that one of the strong determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption amongst adults is the extent to which they ate fruit and vegetables as children. The Food Dudes programme is exposing children to fruit and vegetables at a young age with the objective that this experience will carry through in later life. The programme includes activity in the school and at home. The programme focus is on three factors taste exposure, peer modelling and rewards.
For further information go to www.fooddudes.ie.
