An apple a day...

(March 2, 2004)

Norwegian pupils will soon be eating more regular school meals and participating more often in physical activities. “This will give them a better learning environment and make them more concentrated,” says Kristin Clemet, the Minister for Education and Research.

Her Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, launched a project entitled “Physical Activity and School Meals” on February 3. The project aims to promote daily physical activity as well as a good environment for healthy meals at school.

Vegard Ulvang, former Olympic hero and World Champion in cross-country skiing has been selected as an ambassador for the project. He will also be part of a jury that will decide which schools will be included in the preliminary stages of the project.

Short lunch

Norwegian ten-year-olds spend on average ten hours each day sitting down. They eat increasing amounts of sugar at the same time as the average consumption of fruit and vegetables is experiencing a downward trend.

Half the children in elementary school have less than 20 minutes in which to eat their lunch.

“Children spend vast amounts of their time in school,” says Dagfinn Høybråten, Norway’s Minister of Health.

“And therefore it is important for their health that the environment is such that they are given enough meals and physical activity during the school day,” he continues.

The new project, funded by a contribution of NOK 3 million (USD 430.000) by each of the two Ministries, will be led by a group consisting of members from the Directorate for Health and Social Affairs and the Norwegian Board of Education