The Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme aims to reach more Ilkley schools, as new research finds most children fall short of their five-a-day.
Currently only one in eleven Yorkshire and the Humber children currently eat their recommended five-a-day. But the findings also show what does work when it comes to getting five a day into kids with over three quarters (76%) of Yorkshire and the Humber parents and carers say their child is more likely to eat fruit and veg when they can choose it themselves, while seven in ten (71%) say making food fun or visually creative encourages children to try more.
So, to help more children get more of their five-a-day and the nutritious food they need to learn, Tesco is doubling its Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme from September, with the aim of doubling the programme again the following year.
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 & Veg for Schools programme has already made, so we’re delighted to be able to double the number of schools receiving support from September.”
To encourage and inspire children to be more adventurous with fruit and veg and to celebrate the expansion of its Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, Tesco is launching the Giant Fruit & Veg Challenge. The competition invites children to dream up their own fruit and veg-packed dish, with the winning recipe shared on menus across the UK and in Tesco’s programme.
The challenge is supported and judged by JLS star turned farmer JB Gill, and his son Ace, alongside a panel of experts and nutritionists.
Along with its Fruit & Veg Grants and Free Fruit for Kids in its stores, Tesco aims to support thousands more local children in getting more of the good stuff.
Customers will be able to help grow the programme with Tesco donating every time customers buy fruit and veg at Tesco up until 24 May.
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 & Veg for Schools can help to make a lasting difference to diet and health now and in the future.”
For more information and to enter the Fruit and Veg Challenge, visit www.tescopls.com/fruitandvegchallenge
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