The 2009 Sydney Markets ‘Fresh for Kids’ Canteen Campaign challenges schools from NSW and the ACT in a competition to eat the most fruit and vegetables.

Armidale City Public School has registered to be part of the campaign, which rewards students for buying fresh fruit and vegetables at their participating school canteen.

Registrations close on Friday, and the campaign runs from Monday, August 10, to Friday, September 4.

Last year, almost twice as many country schools as city schools took part in the challenge.

Marketing programs manager for Sydney Markets Ltd, Melissa Kolc, said it was up to Armidale schools to make sure they were the healthiest eaters.

“For children aged five to 12, the school canteen is one of the only places they make autonomous food choices, so it’s the best place to establish a life-long healthy relationship with fresh food,” she said.

“I challenge all schools in Armidale and the New England region to register for the canteen campaign, which builds a team atmosphere and makes healthy eating fun.”

Schools can register by going onto the website and downloading the registration form:

www.freshforkids.com.au.