Apples and Pears Crunch and Move
In May 2025, WA primary schools celebrated Crunch and Move as part of the Cancer Council of WA’s Crunch & Sip strategy, encouraging students to eat more fruit and vegetables. This initiative aligns perfectly with the start of the apple and pear season.
Teachers and students enjoy incorporating apples in school activities, though some children may not have access to fresh fruit at home. With rising obesity rates among West Australian kids, it’s vital to promote healthy fruit consumption.
This year, Pomewest provided new season pears, and Bravo apples were supplied with support from WA Farm Direct, allowing schools to integrate the fruit into their activities as they see fit.
“Eating together benefited students by promoting healthy snacks and exposing them to foods they don’t usually try. It also highlighted Western Australian produce, as the kids ate all the apples and wanted more.”
“Students who participated in the Walk To School event received apples to promote a healthy lifestyle. Leadership students also created apple spirals and distributed them to all year levels.”
The WA Apples in Schools program, funded by the local apple and pear industry for over 13 years, involved 20 metropolitan primary schools and over 5,185 students this year. Teachers creatively incorporated the fruit into various subjects, including math, literature, and art, and used it in initiatives like breakfast clubs and Crunch and Sip celebrations. Fresh pears and Bravo apples sparked discussions on healthy eating and supporting local producers. Participating schools highlighted the program in newsletters and communications, with teachers reporting positive feedback on its success in turning children into apple and pear lovers.
This program continues to be an excellent positive activity which has achieved strong response from teachers and active integration into classroom programs. Continued support in the future is expected to build positive eating habits and awareness with children.
