The Azores will participate in a Community programme for the free distribution of fruit and vegetables at schools, intended to encourage better eating habits among elementary school students, starting next school year.

From the 27 Member States, Portugal was one of 24 that has decided to adhere to the new Fruit Scheme for schools in the first year.

A work group composed by members of the Ministries of Education, of Health and of Agriculture, and by representatives of the Governments of the Azores and of Madeira has been preparing a national strategy to implement this measure since May. 

Aiming to encourage good eating habits among youngsters, this initiative, in addition to providing them free fruit, will integrate a group of training activities, organised in a joint initiative between the Secretariats for Education and for Health.