Schoolchildren to get free fruit and vegetables[fr][de] 

From 2009, a free distribution scheme for children aged six to ten will total €90 million of EU funding annually. This money will be matched by national and private funds in those member states which choose to make use of the programme. 

"This programme will be credible and effective and have a real impact on children's eating habits if it succeeds in inciting schoolchildren to consume at least one piece of fruit daily," said Niels Busk, rapporteur on the dossier for the European Parliament, which adopted a report approving the plan by large majority on 18 November. 

MEPs from Central and Eastern Europe hailed the initiative, particularly as some mew member states experience difficulties in ensuring quality catering in schools. "In Bulgaria for instance, there is a state-subsidised programme for organising cafeterias in schools, but it does not have the means to cover all needs, therefore EU assistance is most welcome," said MEP Marussya Lyubcheva (PES). 

The EU ministers' agreement did not match a more ambitious plan by MEPs worth €500 million and limited to fruits and vegetables of EU-origin. But the deal was welcomed by the European Commission, which made the proposal in July (EurActiv 08/07/08). 

"Walk down any European high street and the increase in obesity rates is clear for all to see. This is a particular problem among our young people, where the statistics make for sober reading," said Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel, in charge of the agriculture portfolio, at the time. 

According to the latest statistics, an estimated 22 million children in the EU are overweight. More than five million of these are obese. This figure is expected to rise by 400,000 every year. 

The World Health Organisation's recommended daily net intake is 400 grams of fruit and vegetables per person. The majority of Europeans fail to meet this target and less than 20 percent of children under 11 do so. 

"Of course, we do not pretend that the free distribution of fruit and vegetables is going to solve this problem overnight. But experts agree that a healthy diet can play a key role in reducing obesity rates, and cutting the risk of serious health problems – such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes two – in later life," said Fischer Boel recently.