In an effort to empower Wiltshire’s youth and ensure they have a strong foundation for the future, a groundbreaking £5 million scheme called Tesco’s Stronger Starts grant has garnered the support of local staff and pupils.
This initiative aims to provide schools and children’s groups with the necessary resources to offer healthy activities and nutritious food, promoting physical health and mental wellbeing among young people. Examples include breakfast clubs or snacks that enhance concentration and support learning.
Customers can actively contribute to their local school or children’s group by placing the Tesco blue token they receive at checkout into the relevant voting box as they exit the store. This simple act allows individuals to play a part in shaping a fulfilling future for Wiltshire’s children.
The Stronger Starts scheme, facilitated by UK community charity Groundwork, replaces Tesco’s previous Community Grants funding programme. Recent research conducted by Groundwork has revealed that 78% of schools currently rely on their own budgets to provide food for children. Additionally, the Stronger Starts research highlights that 51% of parents agree that their child’s ability to concentrate in school is hindered without breakfast.
Tesco UK CEO Jason Tarry emphasises the significance of supporting schools and children’s groups in accessing essential resources: “Children with sufficient food not only have more energy and better concentration, but they also achieve more. As a business deeply embedded in communities nationwide, we recognize the urgency in bolstering the development and prospects of young people. We hope our initiative will provide much-needed assistance to families striving to nourish and engage their children.”
Schools and children’s groups can apply for grants of up to £1,500 through Groundwork. These grants are designed to support activities focused on providing food, such as fruit for breakfast clubs or snacks throughout the day, as well as equipment for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Graham Duxbury, UK Chief Executive of Groundwork, highlights the importance of maintaining children’s physical and mental wellbeing: “Family and school budgets are stretched, but it is vital that children remain fed, fit, and focused. We are thrilled to prioritize these activities through the new Stronger Starts programme.”
Kiss FM presenter Jordan Banjo, a supporter of Stronger Starts, talked on the impact of the initiative: “By nominating your local school or children’s group, you can make a massive difference to the lives of thousands of youngsters. Hunger shouldn’t hinder children from dreaming big.”
Successful grant applications will be subjected to a customer vote in their respective local Tesco stores. Two out of the three blue token voting boxes at the checkout will be dedicated to local schools, while the third box will support community projects nominated by Tesco colleagues.
Customers can exercise their choice and support their preferred project by voting with a blue token.
