Almost 20m portions of free fruit & veg distributed by Tesco schools programme
Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has seen pupils from across the UK “munch their way through” almost 20 million portions in the first two years of the scheme.
The initiative, which has expanded to support over 1,000 schools, has also resulted in improvements in pupils’ behaviour, according to the supermarket.
A study of the programme found 94 per cent of teachers reported improved behaviour from kids, including sharper focus and more energy in the classroom.
The kids also saw an average 4.2 per cent increase in Vitamin C intake alone, in the last year.
“Having access to fruit every day makes a real difference. For some of our children, it may be the only fruit they have that day, so making sure everyone can have a healthy snack is really important,” said Elaine McCallum, deputy head teacher, Cleeves Primary School
“We’re trying to encourage children to choose fruit over sweets and unhealthy snacks, and having something nutritious during the school day can only help with their concentration and make sure they’re ready to learn.”
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Pupils who participated in the first two years of the scheme ate 60 portions of fruit and veg, on average, with every single teacher asked agreeing that it has had a positive impact on their pupils. Nearly all (98 per cent) teachers said the scheme encourages pupils to eat a wider variety of fruit.
It’s also encouraged children to try new and unusual foods, including ones that can be hard to access on a restricted budget – like blueberries, watermelon, asparagus and more.
Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “Schools continue to tell us what a positive impact the Tesco Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme has made on their children including sharper focus, more energy and better behaviour.
“Teachers all agreed that the scheme has made a positive difference to the lives of each young person it has reached.“But we can do more. That’s why in this academic year, we are extending the scheme even further, to include more than 1,000 schools, to reach more children in the most challenged communities in the UK get access to the fruit and veg they need.”
In September, Tesco announced a multi-year deal with WSL Football to become the official supermarket partner of the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Super League 2. The partnership aims to make healthy eating more accessible to children through the Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme and also encourage people to attend the Barclays WSL matches.
