Fresh Air Boosts Children’s Fruit And Veg Intake, Research Finds

New research suggests that encouraging children to spend time outdoors could play a simple but powerful role in boosting their fruit and vegetable consumption.

A study commissioned by supermarket chain Aldi has found that many parents report their children are more willing to eat fresh produce after taking part in outdoor activities. According to the findings, 42 per cent of parents say it is easier to persuade their children to eat fruit and vegetables after they have been active outside, highlighting a clear link between physical activity and healthier food choices.

The research also points to a seasonal challenge. During the winter months, children tend to spend significantly less time outdoors, with activity levels dropping to around five hours per week compared with nine hours in summer. This shift in lifestyle can coincide with a decline in fruit and vegetable consumption as families spend more time indoors and routines change.

Parents cited a range of barriers that limit outdoor play during colder months, including poor weather, schoolwork commitments and the increasing pull of screens. These factors can contribute to what some families describe as “hibernation mode”, where both activity levels and healthy eating habits slip.

To help address the issue, Aldi is marking the tenth anniversary of its Get Set to Eat Fresh initiative by investing £2m over five years to support schools with free educational resources linking nutrition, movement and wellbeing. The programme aims to help young people understand the relationship between physical activity and healthy eating.

British Olympic rowing champion and mother of three, Helen Glover, who is supporting the campaign, said outdoor activity can have a knock-on effect on children’s willingness to choose healthier foods. She noted that after time outside, children are often more open to snacks such as fruit or vegetable sticks.

The findings underline the potential value of combining physical activity initiatives with fresh produce education as part of wider efforts to encourage healthier diets among young people. For the fresh produce sector, it also reinforces the importance of initiatives that connect children with both active lifestyles and nutritious food choices.