Let’s make water and fresh fruit the easy choice in school

THE EDITOR, Madam:

During school breaks, children should be able to easily access drinking water and fresh fruit. This may seem like a simple goal; however, for a healthy choice to become a habit, it must be available, appealing, and affordable for all families.

This issue deserves greater attention in Jamaica. The 2016-2017 national survey on health and lifestyle habits revealed that 53.8 per cent of people aged 15 and older were overweight or obese. While the survey did not focus specifically on schoolchildren, its findings underscore the importance of developing healthy dietary habits from an early age.

Schools are crucial settings for action. How can we encourage students to drink water if it is not readily available? How can we advise them to eat fruit if it remains unaffordable? Educational messages must be supported by practical measures.

I call on Jamaica’s health and education authorities to strengthen enforcement of school-beverage guidelines and ensure free, reliable access to drinking water. School canteens and vendors should also be encouraged and supported in offering healthier options at affordable prices.

The Government could further support these efforts through a national campaign promoting water and locally grown fresh fruit. Rolled out across schools, traditional media, and social media, such a campaign could engage students, parents, healthcare professionals, and farmers. Tasting sessions, school activities, and partnerships with local farmers could help make seasonal fruit more accessible. Natural juices with no added sugar may be offered in small portions, but they should not be promoted as substitutes for water or whole fruit.

Parents play an important role, but responsibility must be shared among public authorities, schools, and businesses. Let us empower children to make healthier choices by ensuring that drinking water and fresh fruit are everyday options for every student.

Stania Boucher