The European Parliament has agreed to pledge more than £70 million to offer free fruit and vegetables to primary school children in all member states. Joyce is urging the Welsh Assembly Government to consider introducing the scheme into Wales. It means that the Government would have to match-fund, which is due to begin in September 2009, for between 25 to 50 percent of the costs.
Joyce believes that this could be money worth spending as free fruit and vegetables is a vital step to guarding children's health in later life. It reduces the risk of developing serious illness, including cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes and could help our obesity problem. According to the Wales Centre for National Health, the number of overweight and obese children has increased to 22 per cent of boys and 17 per cent of girls. Joyce is surveying the local authorities within her constituency - who have so far shown general support for the scheme. She is also visiting as many schools as possible to find out the views of staff, parents and pupils.Image Above: Joyce with pupils at Prendergast Primary School, Haverfordwest.
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