Woodlands Primary School in Salisbury is set to receive a nutritious boost as part of Tesco’s new £4 million initiative, which will see children across Wiltshire provided with fresh fruit and vegetables every day at school. The scheme, Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools, has been launched in partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation and Groundwork UK, aiming to improve the diets of young people in schools with a higher-than-average free school meal ratio.
This welcome initiative comes as figures show that only 12% of children aged 11 to 18 currently meet the recommended five-a-day for fruit and veg. With many families struggling to afford a balanced diet, particularly in areas of economic challenge, Tesco’s investment will ensure that every child in participating schools will have access to at least one piece of fruit or veg per day.
Ken Murphy, Tesco’s Group Chief Executive, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating: “We know we can’t change habits overnight, but this scheme will provide children in some of the most challenged communities with access to fresh produce. It’s a positive step towards encouraging healthier diets and fostering a love of fresh, nutritious food.”
Research conducted by FareShare reveals a worrying trend, with 28% of teachers reporting they have had to bring food into school for their pupils. This has increased from 26% in the summer term of 2023, demonstrating the growing issue of food insecurity amongst children. Similarly, a survey by We Are Futures showed that 71% of teachers would prioritise the availability of fruit and veg for all pupils if more funding were available.
The Tesco scheme is set to have a measurable impact, with the British Nutrition Foundation estimating a 23% increase in the overall fruit and vegetable intake for children taking part. It’s also expected to significantly raise the intake of essential vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin C, folate, and fibre.
Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: “This is a meaningful intervention that goes beyond funding. The scheme is accompanied by educational resources to inspire pupils to form healthy habits that they can carry into adulthood.”
Tesco’s initiative has been warmly welcomed by government figures, including Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, who praised the scheme’s efforts to promote healthier eating for children. He commented: “It’s fantastic to see Tesco’s commitment to helping children access healthier foods. Our goal is to give every child the best start in life, and schemes like this play a vital role in achieving that.”
The Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools programme is not just about delivering healthy snacks; it’s about addressing a wider issue of food accessibility and education, ensuring that young people can develop healthy eating habits, no matter their background.
