More than 600 children…

In the municipality of São Brás de Alportel, more than 600 primary and pre-school children have been benefiting regularly from the free distribution of fruit under the so-called School Fruit Scheme (RFE). This measure covers all 24 primary classes in the local school cluster and, in the last two school years, it has also been extended to 11 pre-school classes, through the direct purchase of fruit.

The School Fruit Scheme is a European Union initiative adopted in Portugal, which aims to promote healthy eating habits among young people by distributing fruit and vegetables in schools and organising educational activities linked to a balanced diet and locally produced food.

In the 2024/2025 school year, the distribution of fruit in São Brás de Alportel took place twice a week, involving seasonal produce and totalling more than 800 pieces of fruit distributed weekly: around 311 pieces for EB no. 3, 325 for EB no. 1 and 170 for EB no. 2.

Furthermore, as part of the programme’s educational measures, 178 students took part in nine sessions held at the Faro Region Supply Market (MARF), as part of the ‘5 ao Dia’ (five-a-day) programme, which encourages the consumption of five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Participation in these sessions and the transport of students to MARF were arranged by the City Hall to provide a hands-on and educational experience in direct contact with the produce itself.

This initiative is designed to strengthen food literacy and promote healthier food choices among the school community. As part of the preparations for the new school year, the Municipal Department of Education has been evaluating the success of the project’s implementation last year and preparing procedures for the start of the new school year.