Minister sends strong warning to food companies targeting school children

​Minister of Education Transformation Chad Blackman has issued a stern warning to commercial firms seeking to market ultra-processed foods to students as the new school term gets underway, declaring that schools remain strictly off-limits to businesses that contravene official nutrition policies. ​Speaking on the rollout of the government’s new school breakfast initiative and updated health guidelines at St Mary’s Primary on Monday morning, Blackman cautioned corporate bodies against attempting to win over young consumers under the guise of donations or promotional giveaways. ​”Schools are hands off,” Blackman said. “School is not a place if you’re selling ultra processed foods to think you can come in and… court students by way of simply donating things, for example, that you may think that the child may want, but yet your company is going against the school administration policy.” He emphasised that whilst the administration remains committed to helping vendors adapt their offerings through training programmes led by the Ministry of Health and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, it maintains a firm, unified approach to curbing childhood obesity. Health officials said preventing unhealthy food marketing to children is critical to tackling rising childhood obesity rates, as consumer choices are heavily shaped by sophisticated advertising rather than free will. You Might Be Interested In Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition Manager Francine Charles emphasised that advertising actively programmes people — especially children — to crave ultra-processed foods formulated for high repeatability. Addressing the ongoing transition for food vendors operating near school grounds, the minister emphasised collaboration rather than exclusion. To support this shift, the vendors are currently receiving specialised health training conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Heart and Stroke Foundation to help transition their menus towards healthier products. ​”When you sit down and talk to the vendors, we’ve made it clear that they must continue to sell. People must be able to sell and make a living,” said Blackman “A lot of our children are still too obese, and therefore when you’re selling things, they have to be fit for purpose—they must be healthy. The vendors said: ‘Minister, we want to help you help us,’ and that is the relationship that we are having.” ​Beyond primary school nutrition, the education ministry is also expanding its educational offerings this week with the launch of new secondary school initiatives. Secondary schools across the island are beginning orientation programmes for community service learning, encouraging students to finalise their placements and engage in healthy competition as the new academic policies take full effect. (RR)