A new project aims to improve Lincolnshire children’s physical and mental wellbeing by reducing their sugar intake across the school day.
Despite mandatory School Food Standards being in place for all schools, there is currently no restriction on sugar, which, in excess, can cause dental problems and can lead to weight gain.
To help tackle this, the council’s Food Education Team has created Defeat the Sweet, a sugar reduction pledge scheme for schools. The team will visit participating schools, share children’s health information and award certificates on implementation of the pledges.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “We know that during the typical day many children will eat far more sugar than is good for them. So, we’ve created Defeat the Sweet to help ensure school food is healthier. Eating less sugar can help children maintain a healthy weight and improve their dental health. This will improve the children’s physical and mental wellbeing, helping them make the most of their time at school.”
10 schools have been selected to take part in the initial wave of the project, these include:
- Spalding St Paul’s Primary School
- Westgate Academy, Lincoln
- Marke Rasen CE Primary School (and their federated school Nettleton Community Primary School)
- Staniland Academy, Boston
- St Peter at Gowts CE Primary School, Lincoln
- Holbeach Primary Academy (and Holbeach Bank Primary Academy)
- Horncastle Primary School
- Coningsby St Michael’s CE Primary School
- Mount Street Academy, Lincoln
- The Gainsborough Parish Church Primary School
They will receive an initial visit from the Food Education Team, when they will commit to 7 sugar reduction pledges. They will be supported to implement and sustain these pledges during the following 12 months and be signposted to further advice and services.
If successful, the team will look to extend the project to further schools and educational settings in future.