| answer text |
<p>The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme is operated by the NHS Supply Chain on behalf
of the Department of Health and Social Care. A decision was taken in March that the
scheme would not operate for the whole of the summer term of 2020, recognising the
substantial operational difficulties which would need to be resolved in order to restart
a large, national scheme like this part-way through a term. This ensured that as little
fresh produce went to waste as possible.</p><p>The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme
will resume in September, helping infants to develop healthy eating habits by getting
an extra portion of fruit or vegetables every day while at school.</p><p>The government
does not collect or hold specific data in relation to schools’ provision of free fruit
and vegetables during this period. However, infant pupils currently attending schools
are entitled to a free lunch under universal infant free school meals. As stated within
the School Food Standards, schools must offer one of more portions of fruit every
day and one of more portions of vegetables or salad as an accompaniment to meals every
day.</p>
|
|
