Deputy Calls for More Food Funding Amid Rising Living Costs

Deputy Louise Doublet warned that the government’s decision to end a free‑fruit trial in primary schools appeared to overlook the strain of rising living costs. The pilot, which began in 2024, allowed pupils at four Jersey primary schools to receive apples, bananas and other fruit each day.

“The removal of the programme at a time when the cost of living is still increasing has been quite hard for some families,” Doublet said.

Education Minister Catherine Curtis halted the trial after data showed low consumption and significant waste. The government has not yet responded to requests for comment.

In September, the Jersey government announced that fresh fruit would be added to a school food programme that already provides hot meals to state‑run primary schools. Curtis previously noted that the free‑fruit scheme generated “a lot of wastage” and that parents had asked for fruit to be incorporated into the broader school meals plan.

The issue was debated on 29 September in the States Assembly. Doublet recounted the minister’s response, saying it was “centred around the evidence” and that the scheme “had not resulted in much of an increase in children actually consuming fruit and vegetables, and I do accept that.” However, she argued that the programme’s impact on household budgets had not been measured.

“Personally I would like to see more investment in healthy food, especially if it’s locally grown, to help families with the cost of living,” Doublet added.

When questioned about the contract with UK‑based Apetito Limited to supply hot meals to Jersey’s government primary schools, Doublet described it as the “best available option.” She acknowledged public concerns about food freshness but said her understanding is that the meals are frozen rather than artificially preserved.

“I would like to see these funded meals extended further because it helps with the cost of living for parents and provides healthy meals for children,” she said.