Identifying Stakeholders

The Food Dudes programme has great potential to be supported and endorsed by a range of stakeholders. These include:

• Government (Health, Education, Agriculture).
• Produce industry (from Primary Produce to Retailer).
• Non-government organisations.
• Charities
• Research funding bodies.
• Community.

The European Union School Fruit Scheme (SFS) - €90 million every year will be available from 2009 to pay for the purchase and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables in schools. Besides providing free fruit and vegetables, the School Fruit Scheme also aims to encourage good eating habits in young people, and to obtain funding Member States will be required to set up national strategies including educational and awareness-raising initiatives (e.g. the Food Dudes Programme).

While some stakeholders may not provide a financial contribution, they can support the programme in other ways and provide a publicly respected voice and access to strong regional and local networks. For example, in general, schools will more readily participate in programmes that are endorsed by the relevant Education department.

Involving stakeholders enables them to take collective ownership of the programme and to share its outcomes with others. In this way, advocates and “Programme Champions” may be gained who are well-placed to further promote the Programme and its message.