Tesco School Fruit Scheme Boosts Children’s Health, Focus And Energy

Tesco has said it has supplied more than 10.8 million portions of fruit and vegetables eaten by UK pupils during the first year of its Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, backed by the British Nutrition Foundation.

Image courtesy of Tesco

According to the retailer, 94% of teachers reported improved behaviour from kids who took part in the scheme, including sharper focus and more energy in the classroom, with an average increase in consumption of 7.4% (the equivalent of 15 days-worth) in Vitamin C intake alone.

Now in its second year, the programme has expanded to support over 500 schools, specifically targeted in areas with a high proportion of pupils receiving free school meals. The latest Impact Report analyses the effects of the free fruit and vegetables on over 140,000 children, showing that the produce has also boosted Vitamin A by 4%, fibre intake increased by 3.6% and folate, which reduces tiredness, was up by 3%.

With almost 900 tonnes of fruit and vegetables bought through the programme and the purchasing power in the hands of the pupils, the receipts made for interesting reading. Most popular fruits were oranges, grapes, strawberries, apples and bananas; and the top vegetables were cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, broccoli and, surprisingly, cabbage.

Claire de Silva, head of communities at Tesco, said, “Schools have told us what a positive impact the Tesco Fruit and Veg for Schools programme has made on their children, including sharper focus, more energy and better behaviour. Every teacher we surveyed for the report agreed that the scheme has made a positive difference to the lives of each young person it has reached. By expanding the scheme in year two we can ensure that even more young people in some of the most challenged communities in the UK get access to the fruit and veg they need to thrive”.

Elaine Hindal, chief executive of The British Nutrition Foundation added, “We could not be more delighted to see our work have this kind of real-world impact, and to support Tesco in taking action that drives healthier diets for children and young people in areas in need of extra support. The diet-related health of our young people is a major concern and initiatives, like this one, to promote access to healthy foods are sorely needed”.

Source: Hort News