Vegetables and fruits should be on the list

THE recent suggestion by a health and social care think tank to include fruits and vegetables in the basket of goods eligible for the Sara (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah) cash aid programme should be seriously taken into consideration by the Madani government, “Healthy eating must not become a privilege” (The Star, Sept 24).

If one were to scrutinise the present list of goods eligible for purchase under the programme, one would note that a sizeable number of sugar-laden items are included. With the inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables, the recipients would be encouraged to reduce the purchase of unhealthy food items.