Teachers' Quotes

"We are very grateful for the Fruit in Schools programme. This coupled with the Ka Ora Ka Ako programme provides a consistently nutritious menu for our students each day. We enjoy the positive impacts of the programme on learning and behaviour and student well-being is hugely supported by your investment into our school. Our systems have improved so that we minimise wastage and any left-over food is well utilised by our school whānau."

Kaikohe Christian School, Northland, 2022

"We have been fortunate to be part of the Fruit in Schools programme for several years now.

Having fruit readily available has increased the chances that our students will develop healthy habits and increasingly make healthy choices - now and in the future. We have fruit available in every room, in fruit bowls and baskets and encourage students (and staff, whānau and visitors) to 'help themselves'... and they do. Alongside this programme we have developed a recycling programme and worm farms to 'feed our gardens'. Fruit in Schools is pivotal to the provision of our 'healthy school environment'. Since the pandemic lockdowns and increasing food and living costs many more families cannot afford fresh fruit. They can be assured that their children will have access to fruit every day... and anything left over is bagged and sent home to those families in need. Our children have these basic needs met and full bellies, so they can concentrate on the learning.

Thanks to our delivery people, the suppliers, Fruit in Schools and all of those kind people and businesses who donate to this cause."

Papatoetoe Intermediate School, Counties Manukau, 2022

"We are extremely grateful for the continued deliveries of fruit to Manaia View School. Our tamariki enjoy having a wide variety of fruit every day as part of their regular kai at break times. This is an essential part of their daily morning tea/lunch and supports our healthy school policy. Fruit provided daily supports their overall health, well-being and engagement in their learning. Our year 5/6 tamariki are responsible for ensuring all classes receive fresh fruit daily and take their roles very seriously as they step up as leaders within our school."

Manaia View Primary School, Northland, 2022

"Having fruit for our children has ensured that they all can have something healthy to eat every day. Every child, including our most vulnerable, look forward to eating the fruit they receive that gives them sustenance, energy to concentrate and engage in their learning.

We believe that without this generosity our community of learners would be adversely affected. It supports our families and it helps to lighten the load or stress as whānau have to stretch the dollar more in this landscape of economic uncertainty for many families.

We are grateful for this programme and cannot say enough of how important and significant it is for our children at Favona school."

Favona School, Counties Manukau, 2022

"We are hugely grateful for the Fruit in Schools. Our school has been hit hard by Covid and it is a huge relief to be able to provide fruit to our students, which we know is an excellent source of essential vitamins and helps build their immune system. We love being able to promote fruit as a healthy snack. This year in particular we have seen a real variety of the fruit on offer which has been a welcome addition. The amount that we receive lasts us the whole week and also allows us to make it accessible to the students before school too. Having a variety of fruit to chop up and eat has made teaching fractions this term - a practical component. As we are a free lunch school, most children no longer bring morning tea and instead eat the fruit at this time. This has minimised the amount of junk food that they eat. Healthy, happy, well fed children will always have a positive effect on our students' learning and attitude in the classroom."

Victory Primary school, Nelson, 2022

"Having fresh fruit and vegetables available for all our tamariki provides them with the added vitamins and minerals they may not otherwise receive at home. The nutritious and healthy snacks keep them fuelled for longer periods of time - so they can be active learners all day long! The fact that it is available for all of our tamariki means that no one is left out - there is access to everyone! We are so grateful for the fresh fruit and vegetables we receive - we are truly blessed by the generosity."

Kaitaia Abundant Life School, Northland, 2022