Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg Improves Children’s Nutrition And Behaviour
Almost 20 million portions of fresh fruit and vegetables have been eaten by pupils during the first two years of Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, resulting in a major boost to children’s nutrition, behaviour, and dietary diversity.
Developed with the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), Tesco said the initiative has had a “significantly positive” impact on school children’s nutrition, alongside sharper focus and more energy in the classroom.
It has also encouraged a willingness to try a wider variety of produce, including new and unusual foods which can be difficult to access on a restricted budget.
Since its launch, the scheme has provided more than 1,500 tonnes of fresh produce to UK schools, and reached over 186,000 children, according to Tesco’s latest impact report.
Children participating in the first two years of the scheme consumed an average of 60 portions of fruit and vegetables each, with pupils trying 103 different types of produce in total.
Apples, bananas, oranges, kiwifruit, and table grapes were the most popular fruits, while potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and onions topped the vegetable list.
The range also encouraged pupils to try less familiar produce, including blueberries, watermelon, and asparagus.
Given its positive impact, Tesco said the programme has expanded to more than 1,000 schools its third year.
The aim is to reach up to 347,000 children and focus on reaching communities where access to healthy food can be more challenging.
Positive Impact On Nutrition And Behaviour
Tesco’s impact report found improvements across several nutritional measures among participating pupils.
Vitamin C intake increased by an average of 4.2% over the last year, while Vitamin A intake rose by 1.7%.
Fibre consumption increased by 2.1% and folate intake by 1.8%, which reduced tiredness.
The programme also appears to have influenced children’s attitudes towards fruit and vegetables.
Some 98% of teachers surveyed said the scheme encouraged pupils to eat a wider variety of fruit, while every single teacher questioned said it had made a positive difference to their pupils.
Behaviour in the classroom was another reported benefit, with 94% of teachers saying they had observed improvements, including greater concentration and increased energy.
Elaine McCallum, Deputy Head Teacher at Cleeves Primary School, noted that access to fruit during the school day was particularly important for some pupils.
“Having access to fruit every day makes a real difference,” she explained. “For some of our children, it may be the only fruit they have that day.”
McCallum added that the school was encouraging children to choose fruit, rather than confectionery and other less nutritious snacks, to help with their learning.
Focus On Access And Variety
Schools are continuing to report positive benefits including sharper focus, increased energy and improved behaviour, pointed out Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco.
“But we can do more,” she enthused. “That’s why in this academic year, we are extending the scheme even further, to include more than 1,000 schools, to reach more children in the most challenged communities in the UK get access to the fruit and veg they need.”
Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, said the programme demonstrated the benefits of improving children’s access to fresh produce and the impact on their lifetime eating habits.
“We know that eating well can support children’s health, wellbeing and ability to learn, but that access to healthy food can be a challenge,” Hindal commented.
Alongside the school programme, Tesco is also supporting community groups through its Fruit & Veg Grants blue token scheme.
Customers can vote in stores using blue tokens, with grants awarded to selected children's and community groups.
Read Tesco's full Impact Report here.
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