Canteen now offers the model of healthy diet
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A SCHOOL that banned fizzy drinks and took burgers and chips off its canteen menu is providing a model for the rest of the country.
The healthy eating programme at Presentation Brothers College on The Mardyke in Cork has paid off, a survey has confirmed a year after the programme's introduction.
The survey showed that almost half (49pc) of students were eating at least one piece of fruit during school hours and 23pc were eating two pieces. Consumption of milk and water had also increased greatly.
"Water is now the drink of choice for most students. To meet this demand, new water fountains have been installed," state the health promotion unit guidelines which will now be issued to other schools.
Organised
The 'Pres' also organised a health promotion week, which was a major undertaking and involved the whole school.
A specific health theme was the focus for each day - for example, mental health, sexual health, physical fitness, back care and, of course, healthy eating.
Workshops and talks were the order of the week. The demand for fresh juice and smoothies was so great that the school was running out of stock each day. Students tried fruits they had not tasted before and some started making smoothies at home.
Screening
Staff also benefited from the week. 'Cardiocheck' visited the school, providing blood pressure and cholesterol screening for all and bowls of fruit were on offer in the staff room.
Almost half of the students are now eating at least one piece of fruit during school hours and 23pc are eating two pieces. Water is now the drink of choice
"We are lucky in Pres that parents, students and staff all saw the importance of the project and gave it their full support," said principal of the school Michael Hennessy.
* Three other schools who have been nominated as examples of good practice are the Jesus and Mary Secondary school in Enniscrone, Co Sligo, the Borrisiokane Community College in Co Tipperary, and Our Lady's College, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co Louth, which replaced the fizzy drinks in its vending machines with water.
- John Walshe
