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Smooth-o-licious is the resounding verdict from Franche Community Primary School pupils in Kidderminster, following the introduction of a new ‘Smoothie Bar’ offering a range of healthy fruit and vegetable drinks.
Pupil smoothie taste-tests have proved extremely popular, with seven-year old Holly Clark and Harvey Childe now happily promoting the delicious new drinks to their classmates after being selected to be the first to try one of the many juice concoctions introduced as part of the school’s overall healthy eating programme of change.
Franche catering manager, Victoria Forrester, said: “It’s so quick and easy and it’s a fantastic way of getting children to eat loads more fresh fruit and vegetables. So far we’ve trialled a number of flavours and we’re now ready to include the school’s own Franche apples into our drinks, thanks to pupils, staff and parents who have agreed to help pick them.”
Developed by the Heart of England (HEFF), the Smoothie Bar project will enable Franche to make and sell their own fresh smoothies and juices with HEFF helping identify local fruit and vegetable growers. Parent Teachers Association (PTA) vice-chairman, Mrs Sue Collingridge, said: “We are delighted to be a part of this wonderful initiative. The Smoothie Bar will be taken into the classroom for the children to have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the health benefits of this kind of drink. They will be taught to make smoothies, discuss the many ingredients available and the importance of fresh produce on taste, its health benefits and the sheer enjoyment they can get from making their own unique drink.”
Apples, oranges and strawberries are always popular choices, with young taste-testers trying a mix of pears, apples and carrots, exclaiming: “That’s gorgeous, I’ve never tried pears before. Wow, it’s astonishing how good this tastes.”
The consumption of smoothie drinks is the fastest growing drink option within the UK. Headteacher, Mrs Val Weddell-Hall, said: “I think the Smoothie Bar is absolutely wonderful and this initiative will help teach our pupils about healthy eating options, seasonal local produce and most importantly it will have a direct impact on their daily fruit intake without any pressure. Marvellous.”
Further information can be obtained by contacting Franche Community Primary School on 01562 751788. | 
