The ‘Fresh for Kids’™ Program, a multi-faceted, non-profit program was developed in the early stages of 1997 after the Sydney Markets Authority to combat alarmingly low levels of fresh fruit and vegetable consumption among the children of New South Wales.

Sydney Markets formed a steering committee with representation from the fruit and vegetable industry and the NSW Health Department to develop a strategic program that targeted children – Fresh for Kids was the resulting program.

The ‘Fresh for Kids’™ Program primarily targets school aged children and its main objective is to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by children in this age group. It’s second objective is to promote a healthy lifestyle that incorporates regular physical activity teamed with a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables.

The 'Fresh for Kids'™ Program comprises numerous components that work both together and independently to promote the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables and an active lifestyle amongst school aged children.

The www.freshforkids.com.au website, which has won many international awards and provides an interactive, fun and educational space.

The Sydney Markets 'Fresh for Kids' Program is supported by the NSW Chamber of Fruit & Vegetable Industries Inc and the Sydney Markets Credit Services Co-operative Limited, Australian Bananas & Australian Table Grapes Association.

Brisbane Markets and Newcastle Markets also licence the program from Sydney Markets.

Through close relationships with various government departments, teachers, canteen supervisors, independent retailers and parents, The ‘Fresh for Kids’™ Program is able to implement a strong children's program that achieves the aim of increasing consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables and an active lifestyle among school aged children.

If you would like to contact the Fresh for Kids Program please feel free to send us an email.

Canteen / Tuckshop Program

Purchases at the school canteen often represent the first purchasing decisions made by school students. Healthy purchasing habits that are developed during this period in a student’s development are fundamental to establishing positive attitudes to food consumption.

The ‘Canteen Campaign’ is a fun and interactive campaign that encourages canteen managers to increase their sales and the profile of fresh fruit and vegetables. The campaign rewards primary school students for making a healthy fresh fruit and vegetable purchase with a nominal prize and the opportunity to enter a competition.

In NSW sales of fresh fruit and vegetables have increased by an average of 120% in each participating school. However, in some schools sales increased by as much as 400%. In 2006, over 350,000 children in NSW and Queensland were directly involved in the campaign.

Previous campaigns included:
• Get on Board & win
• Peel A Prize
• Rip-its
• Wipeouts
• Sticker Puzzle Prize

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Canteen Fresh Brochure

This colourful and informative publication is produced by and distributed to all school canteens across NSW and QLD. Canteen fresh is an invaluable resource which provides school canteens / tuckshops with quick, easy to prepare and tasty fresh fruit and vegetable snack recipes suitable for a school canteen. It includes suggestions for meal deals, purchasing and storage tips and also features a competition for innovative tried and tested recipes. Click here to go to the Canteen Fresh Page.

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Internet Site

The www.freshforkids.com.au site was developed as a teaching and learning tool for students and teachers. It is an exciting, innovative and interactive site that has won 5 awards in the US, 2 in the UK and numerous in Australia.

The site is loaded with fruit and vegie information, games, competitions, sporting hero interviews, a question and answer section, Canteen fresh library, recipes, seasonal guides and the latest 'Fresh for Kids' news.

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Promotional Material

The Fresh for Kids Program have (in partnership with NSW Health) produced a series of six posters featuring apples, mandarins, bananas, corn, carrots and salad sandwiches. The posters are aimed at positioning fresh fruit and vegetables as fun snack foods that taste great and are easy to eat.

To encourage and promote fresh fruit & vegetable consumption, Fresh For Kids has produced promotional material consisting of:
• Stickers
• Rulers
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Tattoos
• Posters
• Wristbands
• Bookmarks

To find out how you can receive Fresh For Kids promotional material please email us.

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School Sport Foundation

Sydney Markets Limited is tremendously proud to be committed as a active major sponsor in the NSW Department of Education’s ‘School Sport Foundation’. Sydney Markets identified the opportunity of marketing fresh fruit and vegetables, in conjunction with sport related activities as being the key to promoting a healthy lifestyle in a fun, interactive and educational way. The School Sport Foundation provides school students with the opportunity to participate in sport regardless of their sporting level. This allows students to gain a sense of achievement and confidence, either as part of a team or as an individual. The Industry is delighted to promote the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables by targeting students participating in the School Sports Foundation programs namely;

• State & Area Level Representative Events • Active Youth program • Access Sports - for students with disabilities • School Swimming Scheme • Ambassador Program • Grants Fund An additional part of our sponsorship involves attending carnivals and promoting different fruits and vegetables to children that are participating. This sponsorship endeavours to promote healthy lifestyles not just through diet but also activity. Click here for more information.

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Apples Ain’t Apples School Visits & Market Tours (QLD)

The Apples Ain’t Apples School Visit has been designed for students aged between 7 and 9 years. A representative from the Brisbane Markets will come to your school to conduct the presentation which includes a run-down on the process of getting produce from the farm to their plate, a look at some different varieties of fruit & vegetables, and an apple taste testing session. The visit may also include an appearance by costume character ‘Megabite Apple’ or ‘Summa Strawberry’ (depending on availability of characters).

Brisbane Markets Limited conducts Market Tours for schools participating in the Fresh for Kids program. On this unique field trip students learn about the history of the Brisbane Markets, the central Market system, how fresh produce gets from the farm to the plate, and the variety of different fruit and vegetables available in the market.

Apples Ain’t Apples School Visits and Market Tours are strictly limited. For further information or to receive a visit/tour booking form, email freshforkids@brisbanemarkets.com.au or phone 07 3379 1062.

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F & V Gang

The colourful larger than life F & V Gang™ have proved to be an invaluable resource helping to create a positive image for the fruit and vegetable industry to attract attention and help position fruit and vegetables as fun. There are currently 6 members of the F & V Gang™.

Find out more about the Fresh For Kids Characters on their very own page

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