The "Fruit Heroes" project, monitored by the Environmental Health Institute of the University of Lisbon in partnership with APCOI, recorded positive results in the Autonomous Region of Madeira during the 2024/2025 academic year. The program aims to change children's eating routines through playful dynamics, overcoming conventional theoretical teaching.
Data collected in municipalities such as Calheta, Câmara de Lobos, Funchal, Machico, Porto Santo, and Santa Cruz indicate that over two-thirds of students (68.4%) tried fruits or vegetables for the first time. The percentage of students meeting daily fruit and vegetable consumption goals increased from 82.7% to 88.3%, and 65.8% of students began having healthier daily snacks. Fruit trees were also planted on school grounds.
Mário Silva, president of APCOI, highlighted that the project "brings extra motivation into schools, helping to create a healthier generation." The method, which is free and transforms children's diets in five weeks, is inviting schools nationwide to register by October 31st.
