'Yummy Yummy' Wiggles join national push to get children eating more fruit and veg

Beloved children's entertainers The Wiggles have joined forces with Australia's fresh produce industry in a national campaign to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables. 

Supported by Hort Innovation, the new campaign titled "Fruit and Veggies Yummy Yummy" was launched last week at Hort Connections by International Fresh Producer Association (IFPA) Australia and New Zealand.

It will be rolled out across digital and social platforms, as well as at concerts and other colourful resources to promote fruit and vegetable consumption in an age-appropriate, educational and positive way.

It comes after new research revealed that while two-thirds of Aussie parents say it’s very important for children to eat the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables, less than half say that fruit and vegetables actually make up most of their child’s snacks. 

Original Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said the collaboration was a natural fit for the group, given The Wiggles’ longstanding relationship with Australia’s fruit and vegetable industry with their iconic songs for children that celebrate fresh food. 

"We’re so excited to be part of this campaign and to support the mission of helping children eat more fruit and vegetables," he said.

"With more than 30 years of singing songs like ‘Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy’ and ‘Hot Potato’, this partnership takes our commitment even further, really showing children just how fun and delicious healthy eating can be."

IFPA (Australia and New Zealand) Managing Director Belinda Wilson said the campaign aimed to support Australian growers and drive consumption by nurturing a life-long love for fruit and veg among children. 

Hort Innovation, CEO Brett Fifield shared his hope that the campaign will inspire greater consumption by Australian children, and their families by extension. 

“We know how important early healthy eating habits are and our hope is that this colourful campaign will encourage early behaviour adoption in Australian households and increase consumption of fresh fruit and veggies” he said.  

Funding partners for the campaign include Hort Innovation, International Fresh Produce Association Australia and New Zealand, AUSVEG, Perfection Fresh, Flavorite, Mitolo Family Farms and banana growers Premier Fresh and MacKays Marketing.