Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions, but some local schools are taking a healthier approach.

Queensland Government statistics indicate 20-23% of Australian children are overweight or obese and the incidence has risen 300% over the past decade.

The GI Cancer Institute is now challenging students to choose fruit over chocolate in the Gutsy Challenge Campaign.

The Gutsy Challenge is a campaign directed at school children, their families and teachers to teach the importance of healthy food choices.

Participants are sponsored to eat two pieces of fruit and four vegetables each day for one week.

The money raised will go towards the GI Cancer Institute for digestive cancer research.

Bilambil Public School parent and media liaison officer Belinda Parkes said a vegetable garden project was teaching the students about the importance of healthy eating habits.

“The two kindergarten classes have just planted a vegetable and flower garden from seedlings donated from a Bilambil couple who don’t even have children at the school,” Ms Parkes said.

“Apart from the huge amount of fun they had carrying the soil in little beach buckets, it has helped to beautify a part of our gardens and teach them about life cycles and healthy living habits.”

Organisers of the Gutsy Challenge said six southern Gold Coast schools had signed up for the challenge, but there was room for more.

To sign up visit www.gutsy challenge.com.au for more information.