ORCHARDIST Peter Darley is encouraging fellow growers to adopt a school and provide free fruit for children.
Mr Darley, who was part of a promotion last year by district growers to send apples to Sydney schoolchildren last year, said it was important not to overlook the needs of local children.
"With a school like Nashdale for instance, there is probably a handful of children who come from an orchard - things have really changed over the years and we shouldn't necessarily assume because we live in a fruitgrowing area children are exposed to fruit every day,” he said.
"If we can undertake an exercise like this in Sydney, I think it's important not to forget our local kids,” he said.
Nashdale School principal Paul Rowland said yesterday the school was most appreciative of the gesture from Mr Darley.
"I am sure the children will be keen to come and take an apple for recess or lunch,” he said.
"There are quite a few schools who I am happy to help out so if they would like to bring a container out to my orchard I am happy to fill it for them to take back to their schoolchildren,” Mr Darley said.
"But I am also hoping that the other orchardists will get behind this and adopt a school,” he said.
Schools interested in the apple program can call Mr Darley on 0418-668-691.