Cascais school project improves student eating habits

A study conducted by the Institute of Environmental Health at the University of Lisbon and the Portuguese Association Against Childhood Obesity (APCOI) has revealed significant improvements in the eating habits of students participating in the ‘Heróis da Fruta’ (Fruit Heroes) project.

In schools within the Cascais municipality, the proportion of students consuming healthy daily snacks rose from 64.9% to 81.3% following the program's implementation. Additionally, 52.4% of participants reported trying new fruit and vegetable products for the first time. The initiative uses pedagogical activities and practical challenges, such as planting fruit trees, to encourage balanced nutrition and combat childhood obesity.