Tesco's free school fruit programme reaches 20 million servings, boosting pupils' health and behaviour
Tesco's Free Fruit & Veg for Schools scheme has delivered almost 20 million portions of produce to over 1,000 UK schools, benefiting up to 186,000 pupils.
Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has distributed nearly 20 million portions of fresh produce to over 1,000 schools across the UK, reaching as many as 186,000 children. In two years the scheme supplied more than 1,500 tonnes of fruit and veg, prompting 90 % of surveyed teachers to cite improvements in behaviour, concentration and energy levels. Nutritional data show a 4.2 % rise in vitamin C consumption, with notable gains in fibre, vitamin A and folate.
Children sampled 103 varieties of produce, including everyday items and pricier options such as blueberries, asparagus and watermelon. School leaders like Elaine McCallum say the daily deliveries are vital for families lacking regular fruit access. Tesco and the British Nutrition Foundation plan to expand the scheme to more deprived communities in the coming academic year.
