The "Fruit Heroes" project recorded a significant improvement in eating habits among students in the Algarve during the 2024/2025 school year. Monitoring was developed by the Institute of Environmental Health of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, in partnership with the Portuguese Association Against Childhood Obesity, in schools across nine municipalities in the Algarve: Castro Marim, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé, Olhão, Portimão, Silves, and Vila Real de Santo António.
The data shows that the percentage of students who daily bring snacks considered healthy to school increased from 66.3% to 85.3%. Daily consumption of at least one portion of fruit or vegetables rose from 74.9% to 82.5%. APCOI's president, Mário Silva, stated that the method works, is free, and transforms children's eating habits in just five weeks.
The initiative also included an environmental education component, through the planting of fruit trees on school grounds in the Algarve, combining the promotion of a balanced diet with awareness for sustainability. APCOI considers that the results demonstrate the complementarity between the nutritional and environmental aspects of the project.
The results were presented in September, during the first Fruit Heroes Conference, which marked the association's 15 years of activity in promoting healthy eating habits and preventing childhood obesity. The event, held in Lisbon, brought together representatives from municipalities, parish councils, and specialists in the fields of health, nutrition, and education.
