Seasonality differences in the fruit and vegetable scheme for Maltese schools : a case study

Abstract

The study is focused on a Maltese Upper Primary School with Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 students aged between 7 and 10 years old. The study will evaluate the students' reactions to the School Fruit Scheme as well as the wastages during the summer school period and the scholastic year and explored some of the possible influences and motivational strategies in relation to the consumption of fruit and vegetables. A set of observations were carried out during 'SkolaSajf' and the scholastic year to study the children's difference in reactions for the fruit and vegetables provided. The observations highlighted the fact that students prefer fruit over vegetables especially fruit which is sweet such as melon, watermelon and red apples. Wastage was only common when the children were provided with vegetables or a fruit which didn't suit their tastes. In addition interviews with the school class teachers, summer school teachers and parents of children attending the same school were held to explore ways how they are encouraging consumption. Findings from the interviews showed that parents and teachers do their utmost to encourage the consumption of fruit and vegetables in different ways; however, some interviewees stated that they do not believe that children are influenced. This study showed that in this particular school the scheme did not reach all of its aims. Indeed parents and teachers interviewed stated that few children were influenced by the scheme to increase the consumption practices of fruit and vegetables at home beyond the school.