Free fruit at work

Team Valley based J.R Holland Food Services has been selected as the official provider for a new European study which will examine if the provision of free fruit in the workplace is a useful way to improve an employee's health and wellbeing.

The Fruit at Work study, a first for the UK, has been developed by the Technical University of Denmark in collaboration with Newcastle University and will be taking place at Durham County Hall involving 400 of their employees.

As major suppliers of fruit and vegetables in the region, including all the Local Authorities in North-East England, J.R Holland are very aware and in full support of workers increasing their fruit and vegetable intake.

Dennis Hutchinson, managing director of J.R Holland Food Services, explained: "It is fantastic that we have been chosen as the provider for this project, we all know that fruit is fantastic for your health and wellbeing, but for one reason or another, there are a vast majority of workers who are not eating enough."

He added: "There are many initiatives promoting healthy eating to school children but I think sometimes employees within the workplace need a bit of reminding."

According to Charlotte Bryant, research nutritionist and project co-ordinator at Newcastle University, cost and availability are the two main reasons people do not eat enough fruit. "This project overcomes both of these problems. The idea is that if people have easy access to fruit they are less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks."

The project involves 400 employees, half of which will receive two pieces of fruit per day while the other half will receive none, before swapping halfway through. During the test period the research team will measure weight, blood pressure and waist line along with examining snacking behaviour, staff morale and overall productivity.

Bryant continued: "Fruit and vegetables are a fantastic source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibres, helping protect the body against chronic diseases and reducing fluctuations in blood concentrations. Our Danish counterparts seem to have the right idea, with over 60% of companies providing free fruit to their employees."

Words: Maria Bracken

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