Students are being given a helping hand when it comes to learning about good nutrition.

The School Lunch Challenge, backed by the Argus Group, is available to every primary and middle school in Bermuda that encourages healthy eating habits.

The initiative has been developed by the Department of Health and the Ministry of Education in partnership with private and public schools.

The programme is also a part of the Well Bermuda Healthy Weight Action Plan.

Students will learn basic nutrition and portion control, outlined in the EatWell plate guidelines, and will be challenged to bring a healthy lunch and describe its nutritional value.

Teachers will judge the lunches and submit photographs of three winning entries to the Department of Health by April 17. The overall winners will receive plaques and their schools will receive a prize, sponsored by Argus.

“We are grateful to Argus for their sponsorship of this initiative,” said Mellonie Furbert, public health nutritionist at Nutrition Services.

“Their support of the School Lunch Challenge will directly benefit Bermuda’s students.”

Alison Hill, chief executive officer of the Argus Group, said: “We are delighted to support the School Lunch Challenge, which will educate Bermuda’s youth on how to make healthy food choices.”

For more information about Argus’s wellness programme, Thrive, visit www.Thrive.Argus.bm. For Department of Health eating guidelines, visit www.eatwell.gov.bm