PACKED lunches at Hatherleigh Primary School are to be scrutinised by the children as part of a health drive by teachers and healthcare workers. As part of the school?s first health day on Tuesday, July 5, pupils will have their lunch boxes assessed for nutritional value by the school council. Children will open their lunch boxes to have their contents assessed, with a full audit of the variety and amount of fresh fruit and vegetables each box contains. Jo Dixon, Mid-Devon PCT?s public health lead for Okehampton, said educating children to make the right choices made sense. ?Although this day is meant to be fun, there is also a serious message. Healthy lifestyles are important and education about this needs to start at an early age,? she said. As well as energetic dance and gymnastic performances to get pulses racing during the day, pupils will get the chance to make thirst-quenching smoothies with fruit supplied by Waitrose supermarket. Nearby Fishleigh Estate will also donate fresh food for the children. Between all the healthy eating and exercise there will be first aid, anti-smoking and sun safety workshops for the children to attend. Headteacher Linda Mitchell said: ?We hope the day will give our children a much better idea about how to stay fit and healthy. ?Education is about more than maths and science; it?s also about learning things that allow them to live life to the full.?
