Tesco launches a £4m ‘Fruit & Veg for Schools’ scheme.
- The initiative aims to supply fresh produce to 400 schools.
- Up to 140,000 students to benefit from daily fruit and veg.
- Programme targets schools with high free meal ratios.
- Research shows a demand due to food provision by teachers.
Tesco is initiating a £4 million campaign called ‘Fruit & Veg for Schools’ that is designed to deliver fresh fruit and vegetables to 400 schools across the country. This effort by the supermarket chain aims to reach up to 140,000 pupils, offering them at least one piece of fruit or vegetable each school day.
The programme primarily targets schools characterised by a higher-than-average ratio of pupils on free school meals. In total, it will provide an estimated 16 million pieces of fruit and veg, averaging 110 portions per child throughout the school year.
Recent findings by the food waste charity FareShare underscore the importance of this initiative. They revealed that 28% of teachers in England have resorted to bringing food for their students, marking an increase from the 26% recorded during the summer term of 2023.
Despite the known benefits of fruits and vegetables, only 12% of children aged 11 to 18 currently meet the recommended five-a-day intake. Tesco anticipates that the scheme will boost fruit and vegetable consumption by about 23% among participating children.
According to the British Nutrition Foundation, the expected increase in fruit and vegetable intake could enhance important nutrient levels in children’s diets – 7% more vitamin A, 25% more vitamin C, 14% more folate, and 10% more fibre – across the school year. Ken Murphy, Tesco’s chief executive, highlighted the potential long-term benefits, stating that the initiative not only provides nutritional benefits but also encourages healthier eating habits among youth.
Murphy expressed optimism about the scheme’s impact, saying, “Our aim is to enable schools to provide enough fruit and veg for every child to have at least one piece every day.” He pointed out that while changing habits overnight is improbable, ensuring access to healthy food in underserved communities is paramount. He hopes the programme helps children discover new foods and learn how to prepare them.
Tesco’s investment in the ‘Fruit & Veg for Schools’ initiative reflects a strategic effort to improve nutrition among young people in the UK.
