CHILDREN in Somerset are set to join the one million youngsters receiving free fruit at school every day.
The milestone has been achieved under the new National School Fruit Scheme, set up to promote healthy eating and tackle obesity.
Almost 210,000 children from over 1,800 schools in the South-West will benefit from the scheme.
Children and adults are recommended to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, but on average children only eat about two and some none at all.
Overweight or obese children face greater risks of developing serious illness later in life, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
A can of soft drink or a chocolate bar can contain between six and seven teaspoons of sugar, so it is not surprising that 15 per cent of 15-year-olds are classed as obese.
In total 37 million pieces of fruit a year will be needed to supply schools in the South-West.
The scheme is due to start this autumn.
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