‘Toxic’: Aussie parents outraged as school bans fruit

Parents have been left fuming after finding out a school has banned fruit from their in-class snack break.

A mum has sparked a heated discussion after revealing her child’s school has changed its dedicated fruit and veggie snack break to “vegetables only”, banning students from bringing fruit.

Posting to the popular Lunch Box Mums Facebook group, the woman said she had received written notice from the school that said any fruit brought in would be sent back home.

Her post quickly went viral, with hundreds of parents slamming the decision as “confusing”, “ridiculous” and even “harmful”, with some claiming it could contribute to disordered eating in children.

“I have just found out our school has changed Crunch&Sip to ‘vegetables only’, and kids will be told to put their Crunch&Sip back in their bags if it’s fruit,” the mum wrote in the post.

“Does anyone else’s school do this? It seems very bizarre and I have to say, I don’t agree with this change.”

The school was not identified, nor was the reason for banning fruit.

A school has banned fruit from Crunch&Sip. Picture: TikTok

What is Crunch&Sip?

Crunch&Sip is a school nutrition program in Western Australia co-ordinated by Cancer Council WA.

The initiative allows primary school students to have a short, in-class break to drink water and eat an extra serving of fruit or vegetables to support their concentration and overall health.

The break does not replace recess or lunch.

The school was not identified, nor was the reason for banning fruit. Picture: iStock.

‘It’s fruit, for f***s sake’

The mum’s post attracted 140 likes and nearly 300 comments, with most parents outraged by the ban.

“This sends negative food messages to kids! Saying they aren’t ‘allowed’ to eat fruit? I understand restricting processed sugary foods but something natural like fruit is toxic. I’d like to see what the teachers eat for their morning tea …” one person commented.

As another wrote, “Nah, wouldn’t go past me. I would be packing what my kid wants and will eat, and if they tell my child they cannot eat, then I’ll be down there in an instant.”

“And that’s how eating disorders start,” quipped a third. “It’s fruit, for f***s sake. I’d tell my kids to just eat it.”

“That is crazy. It just doesn’t sound right to me,” voiced a fourth.

“Kick up a stink, point out how utterly ridiculous the rule is, ask them to explain their reasoning (and then explain why it’s daft),” said a fifth.

“Why do schools think they can police lunch boxes so much?!” yet another parent asked.

Others called it “odd” and “stupid” and compared it to the “almond mum” way of thinking.

More comments included, “What is the world coming to WTF” and “This is getting out of hand! Wild. Nothing wrong with sending a fruit snack.”

Crunch&Sip responds

When contacted by news.com.au, Mikala Atkinson, the Coordinator of the Crunch&Sip program, said that all fruits and vegetables are allowed during the break and that schools were not permitted to change the rules.

“Whilst the Crunch&Sip program encourages vegetable consumption as much as possible to boost the number of serves West Aussie kids are eating each day, it is always the case that children are allowed to bring both fruit and/or vegetables from home for the break,” she said.

“There are restrictions to prevent the packing of non-permitted foods during Crunch&Sip, for example, no crackers, cheese or yoghurt. However, all fruits and vegetables are allowed and can be fresh, tinned, canned, or cooked at home, as some children may require softened foods to accommodate sensory requirements.”

She said that if a school changes the rules of the program, it sends “mixed messages” to children and may act as a deterrent to participation.

“Individual classroom teachers are however able to decide when in the day they schedule the break to ensure that it fits in with their students and the learning blocks on any given day,” Ms Atkinson said.

She encouraged school staff to refer to the website for more information and always operate within the program parameters outlined.

Originally published as ‘Toxic’: Aussie parents outraged as school bans fruit