The tamariki at Paparore School are learning about the importance of 5+ a day in an awesome ongoing initiative; which Garth Hutchison, Sport Northland Energizer has experienced with his own children, and is thrilled to see it is still thriving.

Despite not being eligible for the Fruit in Schools programme, Principal John Windleborn could see the advantages of providing tamariki with free fresh fruit so reached out to the community. Fifteen years later, local organisations are continuing to donate fruit from excess crops. Parents also contribute a fee of $5 per family per term, to assist with costs as well as their time to assemble fruit kebabs fresh each Monday and Wednesday mornings.

Data from the Ministry of Health supports John’s belief showing that 98% of pupils receiving fruit in school knew more about nutrition and health and 66% of principals said they had seen an improvement in students’ general health. This kind of exposure to healthy food choices has huge impacts on the students’ health and also impacts attendance, as the fruit provides vital vitamins and minerals to boost their immune system, helping them fight off infections, colds and flus, as well as being a good source of natural fibre.

Fruit kebabs are not only a great way for students to receive their 5+ a day, they are also a great way for kids to learn about different ways of preparing fruit that are easy and fun to eat. This encourages healthy eating at home as well as at school as it introduces young people to a variety of different seasonal fruits. Eating fruit in kebab form also means that Paparore students get to enjoy an array of different fruits in a single sitting; eating the colours of the rainbow daily.

Paparore’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of their tamariki and the impact it has on their students is awesome to see. The fruit kebabs have been around a long time, and will be here a while yet.  Energizer Garth’s own children experienced them at Paparore School, and they make for fond memories in their whānau. “The kebabs were an awesome way to build whanaungatanga, as it takes contributions from parents, students and the wider community to make the kebabs a success, as well as encouraging us to eat healthily,” said Garth’s daughter Priscilla, “it’s great to see that Sir is continuing this, kebabs are still a go-to snack for me!”