School scraps vending machines in healthy eating drive

Colm Ward

Reporter:

Colm Ward

A healthy attitude: Ken Boland, of the School Food Company, pupils Liam McSweeney, Robbie O'Gorman, Katie Cronin, Ciaran Kiely, Tomas Lane and Mary O'Shaughnessy, with Colaiste Mhuire Askeaton principal Norma O'Brien, launching the healthy eating initiative at the school
AS part of a drive to promote healthy eating, a Limerick school has removed all vending machines from its grounds.

AS part of a drive to promote healthy eating, a Limerick school has removed all vending machines from its grounds.

Colaiste Mhuire in Askeaton took the initiative in response to new proposals by the Department of Education to offer alternatives to unhealthy food. Principal Norma O’Brien commented: “We as a school have opted for total reform when it comes to student health. Over the last month we have removed all vending machines and the provision of junk food from the school and installed a new healthy eating service that is 100 per cent healthy.”

She added: “Action is required when it comes to student health. Obesity is a huge issue today and choice dictates change. We are now designing a new healthy eating policy that directs towards a healthy choice in conjunction with healthy eating experts, the School Food Company, and plan to have a full roll-out of health promotional marketing and lifestyle campaigns within the coming months.”