Tesco free fruit and veg giveaway sees virtually 20 million parts eaten in two years

Up to 186,000 pupils have benefited from Tesco’s Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme as the scheme has expanded to more than 1,000 schools

UK school kids have chomped their way through nearly 20 million portions of free fruit and veg in a colossal supermarket giveaway that teachers claim is revolutionising classroom behaviour.

A whopping 186,000 students have reaped the benefits of this massive influx of fresh produce over the past two years, scoffing down more than 1,500 tonnes of healthy snacks instead of reaching for the sweeties.

Tesco revealed that 90% of teachers surveyed said the daily delivery of fresh food has directly resulted in improved behaviour, heightened concentration, and increased energy during lessons. The retail behemoth stated that teachers involved in the research said the scheme had made a positive impact on their pupils.

The produce is supplied via Tesco’s Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme, supported by the British Nutrition Foundation, which has now been extended to cover more than 1,000 schools nationwide.

An impact report on the first two years of the scheme showed the snacks have provided a significant health boost. Children participating saw their Vitamin C intake rise by 4.2% last year, while fibre, Vitamin A, and energy-boosting folate also saw substantial increases.

On average, each pupil taking part consumed 60 portions of fruit and veg. With the buying power handed over to the schools and students, receipts revealed that youngsters tried out 103 different types of fresh produce.

While everyday favourites like apples, bananas, carrots and cucumbers dominated the popularity charts, the programme has also inspired youngsters to sample more exotic or expensive produce that can be difficult to obtain on a tight budget, including blueberries, asparagus and watermelon.

Elaine McCallum, deputy head teacher at Cleeves Primary School in Glasgow, described the daily deliveries as a lifeline for some families: “Having access to fruit every day makes a real difference,” she said. “For some of our children, it may be the only fruit they have that day, so making sure everyone can have a healthy snack is really important.

“We’re trying to encourage children to choose fruit over sweets and unhealthy snacks, and having something nutritious during the school day can only help with their concentration and make sure they’re ready to learn.”

Claire de Silva, head of communities at Tesco, revealed the supermarket is expanding the programme this academic year to reach even more youngsters in the UK’s most deprived communities.

She added: “Schools continue to tell us what a positive impact the programme has made on their children, including sharper focus, more energy and better behaviour.”

Elaine Hindal, chief executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, said she was incredibly heartened by the findings. “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,” she said.

“We’re proud to work with Tesco on an initiative that is helping more children enjoy healthy foods and build positive eating habits that can last a lifetime.”