It was a resounding ten-out-of-ten from the youngsters, with the not-for-profit regional food group's V-Machine proving increasingly popular as a pioneering solution for improved healthier eating.

Latest reports reveal a continuing rise in child obesity and, following the introduction of the government's food standards for schools, the Ofsted report Food in Schools: encouraging healthier eating highlighted a sharp reduction in take-up of school meals.

HEFF is now rolling out its popular vending solution, which offers healthy food and drink products supplied by local producers.

Funded by Advantage West Midlands, through the West Midlands Food Partnership, the subsidised, and highly visual, vending machines are branded under HEFF's popular retail support scheme - Savour the Flavour.

Karen Davies said: "It was very satisfying to see the popularity of the V-Machine with pupils and teachers alike at Thomas Adams School. Recognising the challenges all schools are facing in implementing the school food regulations, our vending units provide the essential on-site tasty, fun and healthy food option.

"We have an obvious and easy solution to help counter the drop in pupils eating school meals. Not only do V-Machines promote healthy eating and help ensure a more balanced diet, they also encourage children to enjoy great tasting local food and drink.

Schools profit

"V-Machines are stocked with school-made sandwiches, plus water, milk, fruit juices, fruit, yoghurts, nuts and pulses, very competitively priced with all profits going to the schools themselves. Products have been analysed by an independent nutritionist to ensure they are in line with government guidelines."

For schools taking a V-Machine, school workshops run by HEFF for both pupils and parents, can be arranged to highlight the benefits of healthy eating and offer the chance to meet the local producers.

http://www.heff.co.uk/

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