Tesco has doubled its Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme to reach over 1,000 schools from September and help more children hit their 5 a day.
It has also pledged to double the size of the programme again next year.
The commitment comes as research from Tesco has found only one in 10 children eat their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables on a typical school day, with more than a third (37.5%) of parents saying their child refuses fruit and veg altogether.
The findings also revealed over two‑thirds of parents (68%) have stopped buying or serving certain fruit or vegetables after their child repeatedly refused them. By contrast, pupils taking part in Free Fruit & Veg for Schools have collectively sampled more than 100 different varieties of fruit and vegetables.
“Every day, too many children across the UK are missing out on the fruit and veg they need to thrive at school,” said Ken Murphy, Tesco group CEO. “That’s why we’ve set out an ambition to help one million children access free fruit and veg through our school and community programmes, supporting the development of healthy habits that we hope will stay with them through life.
“Schools have told us what a positive impact the Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has made, so we’re delighted to be able to double the number of schools receiving support from September.”
Tesco has also announced it will launch the Giant Fruit & Veg Challenge. The nationwide competition invites children to dream up their own fruit and veg-packed dish, with the winning recipe featured on school menus across the UK.
The challenge is supported and judged by JLS star turned farmer JB Gill and his son Ace, alongside a panel of experts and nutritionists.
Tesco aims to support one million school children across the UK in eating more fruit and veg, and it will be donating to the scheme every time customers buy fruit and veg at Tesco until 24 May.
“A significant number of children in the UK are growing up with diets that don’t support their health,” said Elaine Hindal, CEO of the British Nutrition Foundation. “Early food experiences matter, as they can help to shape children’s confidence, habits and long‑term health outcomes.
“By helping children enjoy and regularly eat fruit and vegetables from a young age, programmes like Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools can help to make a lasting difference to diet and health now and in the future.”
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