Awards have been handed out to pupils and schools who produced healthy lunches.

The School Lunch Challenge, run by the Department of Health and sponsored by the Argus Group and the Bermuda Dietitians Association, was designed to show schoolchildren how to put together a nutritious meal.

Pupils were taught about the Bermuda Dietary Guidelines and the EatWell Plate before submitting their own healthy lunches into the competition.

Points were awarded for nutrition explanation, visual appeal, number of food groups, original use of vegetables and whether they included water or were trash free.

In total, $4,475 in prize money was handed to 12 schools based on the results of their students.

Somersfield Academy topped the leaderboard with $1,425 in winnings with Heron Bay Primary in second place with $950.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, said: “It is exciting to know that the partners are committed to our schoolchildren.

“The partners that have made this possible are lead sponsor The Argus Group, Bermuda Dietitians Association, Nutrition Services, Well Bermuda, Healthy Schools, Ministry of Education and Workforce Development.

“I am pleased with the partners’ initiative to work together in our schools, with students and the parents for change.”

She added: “This can and will help lead them to healthy habits as adults.”

Michelle Jackson, executive vice-president of The Argus Group, said: “We are pleased to have been able to support the School Lunch Challenge.

“By encouraging healthy eating at a young age, we aim to inspire a lifetime of healthy habits.”

Each pupil who took part in the challenge received a lunch bag, stainless steel water bottle and utensil set.

Pupils who won first place received a copy of Best Lunch Box Ever: Ideas and Recipes for School Lunches Kids Will Love by Katie Sullivan Morford.

Those who achieved second place received a Bluetooth fidget spinner speaker and third place winners got a gift certificate for The Bookmart.

The other schools who got cash prizes were:

• Dalton E. Tucker Primary

• East End Primary

• Gilbert Institute

• Mount Saint Agnes Academy

• Port Royal Primary

• St George’s Preparatory

• TN Tatem Middle

• Victor Scott Primary

• Warwick Academy

• West Pembroke Primary

• To read Kim Wilson’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”