Tesco has launched a £5m grant scheme nationwide to support schools and children’s groups with funding for food and healthy activities.
The Stronger Starts initiative in partnership with Groundwork UK will help provide nutritious food to support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, by offering breakfast clubs or snacks, and equipment for healthy activities.
Customers can support their local school and children’s groups by dropping the Tesco blue token they receive at the checkout into the relevant voting boxes as they leave a store.
This comes as research by the leading retailer found that 86% of five to 11 year olds want a job that helps others and 36% want one that will help to protect the planet.
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Almost half (49%) of parents believe a healthy meal every day plays a factor in whether their child will realise their aspirations, while 44% want more support for mental health, and 41% think that more opportunities for sport and exercise are key.
The scheme will replace the current Tesco Community Grants funding programme, with schools and groups able to apply via Groundwork for a grant of up to £1,500.
Tesco UK CEO, Jason Tarry, said: “Helping schools and children’s groups access the food and resources they need is vitally important in getting children a stronger start in life. Children with enough food have more energy, better concentration, and ultimately achieve more too.
“As a business that is at the heart of communities across the country, we know that urgent action is needed to support the development and prospects of young people. We hope our initiative will help families that are struggling to keep children fed and active.”
