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More than 437,000 students from 907 pre-primary institutions, primary and secondary schools today (April 17) participated in "Joyful Fruit Day 4.17" celebration and enjoyed delicious and nutritious fruit at school.
Organised for the second time, the event set a record of engaging about 60% of children from pre-primary institutions and primary schools as well as more than 20% of secondary students to consume fruit at school on the same day.
Last year, about 230,000 students from 362 primary schools participated in the event.
The event aims to cultivate the habit of daily fruit intake among teachers and students by providing them with an occasion to eat fruit together.
Speaking at the ceremony to mark the event at Po Leung Kuk Camôes Tan Siu Lin Primary School in Yau Ma Tei, the Director of Health, Dr P Y Lam, said the World Health Organisation stressed the need to choose food with less oil, salt and sugar as an important element of healthy eating.
He added that consuming more vegetables and fruit was equally important.
Apart from eating fruit together at school, Dr Lam said students would participate in related school activities to enrich their experience of healthy eating.
Findings from a number of scientific researches revealed that adequate consumption of fruit and vegetables could lower the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancers.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Secretary for Education, Mr Cheng Man-yiu, said the Education Bureau spared no effort in promoting healthy eating among students through administrative support, curriculum planning and allocation of resources.
During the ceremony, the chairman of the Legislative Council's Panel on Health Services, Mr Li Kwok-ying, appealed to schools and parents to encourage students to adopt healthy living. He also urged food suppliers to help build an environment that made it easier for students to develop a habit of eating fruit.
"Joyful Fruit Day 4.17" Celebration is a territory wide event under the "EatSmart@school.hk" campaign co-organised by the Department of Health, the Education Bureau, the Hong Kong Education City, Radio Television Hong Kong, the Committee on Home-School Co-operation, the Hong Kong College of Cardiology and the World Cancer Research Fund Hong Kong.
It is supported by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and all Federations of Parent-Teacher Associations.
All members and sectors of the community have a role to play to help the public adopt healthier ways of eating. The Department of Health was pleased to see the active support given by schools and parents in making the event successful.
The Health Bureau and Education and Youth Affairs Bureau of Macau Government also organised a similar event for primary students today. More than 60% of primary schools took part.
More information on "EatSmart@school.hk" campaign is available at the Department of Health's website at http://school.eatsmart.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, April 17, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:56
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