Tesco's scheme is returning to large stores until May 31, 2026
Tesco has confirmed the return of a well-liked initiative for eligible shoppers, commencing on Monday, April 27. Following fresh findings from Tesco research, the supermarket chain has opted to reinstate the programme for a number of weeks.
Tesco's 'Free Fruit for Kids' scheme is making a comeback in branches for five weeks, which means it will extend throughout much of May as well. This follows the supermarket's latest research, revealing that just one in 10 children currently consumes their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables daily. The retailer states it is pursuing its objective to assist households nationwide in increasing their fruit and vegetable intake.
For five weeks, running until May 31, children accompanying their families while shopping will be entitled to collect complimentary apples at tills in larger Tesco branches. Tesco will additionally maintain the programme throughout school breaks for the remainder of 2026. Click and Collect shoppers will likewise receive free apples for their youngsters at more than 100 of Tesco's larger outlets. The apples supplied will be British-grown, enabling children to access greater quantities of this fruit.
Tesco says: "The scheme builds on Tesco's commitment to making healthier choices easier for families, encouraging children to enjoy fruit as part of their day while shopping with their parents or carers. By providing access to free fruit beyond term time, Tesco aims to support families during school holidays, when routines change and access to healthy food can be more challenging.
" Additionally, from September 2026, Tesco will expand its Free Fruit and Veg for Schools initiative twofold, growing from 500 to over 1,000 schools and benefiting more than 388,000 pupils. Shoppers will have the opportunity to support the scheme's growth by making donations each time they purchase fruit and vegetables at Tesco, running until May 24, reports the Mirror.
Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said: "We've set out an ambition to help one million children get free fruit and veg through our school and community programmes, supporting the development of healthy habits. Schools have told us what a positive impact the Tesco Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme has already made, so we're delighted to be able to double the number of schools receiving support from September.
" Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: "A significant number of children in the UK are growing up with diets that don't support their health. 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 and Veg for Schools can help to make a lasting difference to diet and health now and in the future.
" Fresh research from Tesco reveals that just one in ten British children consumes their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables during a typical school day. More than a third of parents report their child rejects fruit and veg completely. The research also reveals what proves effective in helping children achieve their five-a-day, with nearly three-quarters of parents and carers reporting their child is more inclined to eat fruit and vegetables when they can select it themselves.
An identical proportion indicate that making food enjoyable or visually appealing encourages children to try more. To assist more children in obtaining their five-a-day and the nutritious food they require for learning, Tesco is doubling its Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme from September. Participation is expanding from 500 to over 1,000 schools, with plans to double the programme once more the following year. Results to date demonstrate that 94% of teachers report enhanced behaviour amongst participating pupils.
Tesco's data also indicates that children tend to favour familiar options, with fruit appearing far more frequently than vegetables in their diets, and many parents report that repeated rejections influence their household purchases. Just over two-thirds of parents acknowledge they have ceased buying or serving certain fruit or vegetables following persistent refusal from their child.
Conversely, Tesco reports that pupils participating in Free Fruit and Veg for Schools have collectively tasted more than 100 different varieties of fruit and vegetables, helping to expand palates and promote healthier choices. To motivate and inspire children to be more adventurous with fruit and vegetables, Tesco is also launching the Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge.
The national competition encourages children to create their own fruit and vegetable-filled dish, with the winning recipe featured on menus throughout the UK and in Tesco's programme. The challenge is backed and judged by JLS star turned farmer JB Gill, and his son Ace, alongside a panel of experts and nutritionists. For further details and to enter the Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge, visit www.tescoplc.com/fruitandvegchallenge.
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