Programs – 'Go for your life' Free Fruit Friday
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Frequently asked questions
The Free Fruit Friday initiative will be implemented progressively in government primary schools from 2007 (up to and including Semester 1, 2011). The initiative will provide free fruit and/or vegetables once a week to Prep to Year 2 children. Schools will be provided with grants to implement appropriate arrangements for the purchasing of the fruit and vegetables.
- Why is funding only available to Prep to Year 2 students?
- Do schools have to be involved in the initiative?
- What is the process for applying for the grants?
- What support is available to schools involved in the initiative?
- How much funding is available to schools?
- How long will free fruit be provided?
- What can schools purchase with their grant?
- How much funding is available per student?
- What are Kids – ‘Go for your life’ schools?
- How will the Department know if the grants are being spent on fruit and vegetables?
- Where can schools buy fruit and vegetables?
- What if a student has an allergy to food?
Q: Why is funding only available to Prep to Year 2 students?
A: This initiative is designed to boost fruit and vegetable consumption in young children and to establish a lifetime habit of healthier eating.
Q: Do schools have to be involved in the initiative?
A: Participation in the initiative is voluntary.
Q: What is the process for applying for the grants?
A: Existing Kids – ‘Go for your life’ schools were invited to participate in Phase 1 (term 3, 2007) as these schools had already demonstrated a commitment to promoting the increased consumption of fruits and vegetable in their schools. Other government schools with years Prep–Year 2 enrolments will be invited to participate in term 4 each year for participation commencing in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Free Fruit Friday grants will be paid directly to participating schools.
Q: What support is available to schools involved in the initiative?
- A: Guidelines and sample contracts as well as links to useful curriculum resources such as the Healthy Canteen Kit curriculum materials will be provided to support schools to implement Free Fruit Fridays.
For further information contact: free.fruit.friday@edumail.vic.gov.au
Q: How much funding is available to schools?
A: The 2007-08 Budget provided $11.1 million over four years for the Free Fruit Friday program.
Q: How long will free fruit be provided?
A: This initiative will be progressively rolled out to all Government schools with Prep–Year 2 enrolments over four years from 2007. Once schools have commenced participation, funding will be provided on a semester by semester basis for the duration of the initiative (up to and including Semester 1, 2011).
Q: What can schools purchase with their grant?
A: Schools will be able to use the grants to implement appropriate arrangements for the purchasing of fruit and vegetables (for example from a local greengrocer or wholesaler) for the program.
Q: How much funding is available per student?
A: Funding will be allocated on a per student basis, for students in years Prep–Year 2. Allocation will be approximately 70 cents per student per week for 38 weeks per year.
Q: What are Kids – ‘Go for your life’ schools?
A: Kids – ‘Go for your life’ schools are schools that have registered with the Kids - 'Go for your life' program (http:///www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au) and are working towards, or have achieved 'award' status. These schools are compliant with the School Canteens and Other School Food Services Policy, as well as compliant with the Physical and Sport Education Policy time allocations of:
- Years P–3: twenty–thirty minutes of physical education a day
- Years 4–6: three hours per week of physical education and sport with a minimum provision of 50 per cent for physical education.
Q: How will the Department know if the grants are being spent on fruit and vegetables?
A: Participating schools will be required to maintain documentation of expenditure.
Q: Where can schools buy fruit and vegetables?
A: Schools are encouraged to consider local community links and partnerships when choosing a produce supplier.
Q: What if a student has a food allergy?
A: All schools have processes for recording allergies or special health requirements of students. It is very important to be aware of this information, as students may be offered food to which they might be allergic.