Guernsey primary school gets daily vegetable tasters

Thursday, 23 October 2025 15:00

The Health Improvement Commission launched the Munchy Lunches initiative in Le Rondin last year.

It began as a weekly provision to get young students with special needs to try different vegetables.

It proved popular, with pupils more willing to try new foods.

So, for the next year, the children will have a weekly vegetable that will be tasted daily during lunch and break.

School Nurse Chantelle Gilman says it's a fun and healthy initiative.

"We're seeing children become more tolerant, even if it is just a smell, a lick, or having veg on their plate.

"We're trying to get them to have a balanced diet, and by exposing them (to new vegetables), we're hoping they will accept them as a new safe food.

"By tasting in school, it means that parents do not have to waste food if their child doesn't want to eat it. And for our children as well, if they see their friends doing it, then they are more likely to at least try."

Eat Well Officer Cat Tyrrell says it is important to create an environment where children can explore food.

"It can take children anywhere between fifteen to twenty times to start accepting a new food, so that is quite a long journey, and of course, pupils at Le Rondin may have additional barriers to be able to eat as well.

"For example, sensory issues, one tomato might be squishier than another, and that can create an environment that is quite daunting.

"The feedback has been quite positive, with students coming forward and asking what the next vegetable will be."

The school is looking for sponsorships to continue the scheme.