Some children think broccoli grows on trees

Campaigners are encouraging children to eat more fruit and vegetables at school amid concerns that some are not eating enough.

Some youngsters are even unsure about the origins of their fruit and veg, with a minority suggesting that broccoli grows on trees.

Pupils should eat at least two of their five-a-day at school, according to the Children’s Food Trust.

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But many children are not reaching this goal, the trust’s research suggests.

Primary school pupils taking school dinners eat an average of 1.6 portions of fruit and veg at lunchtime, while those bringing packed lunches eat one portion on average.

In secondary schools, students eating school meals have 0.8 portions of fruit and veg, with those taking packed lunches eating just over half a portion, the research shows.

A small-scale study by children’s food writer and broadcaster Fiona Faulkner found that some are unsure where their fruit and vegetables come from.