Tesco doubles fruit and veg scheme for Portsmouth schools following shocking new data
One of the country’s largest supermarket chains is doubling its free fruit and vegetable scheme
Schools across the city are set to benefit from more fruit and vegetables as part of an expanded scheme introduced by a leading supermarket chain.
Tesco has announced it will double its Free Fruit & Veg for Schools Programme from September, with the aim of doubling the programme again the following year, after data has revealed only one in 10 children eat their recommended five-a-day.
This comes as the supermarket chain’s survey has revealed 71 per cent of parents and carers in the region saying their child is more likely to eat fruit and veg when they can choose it themselves.
The initiative, which launched in 2024, works with more than 500 schools across the country and is hoping to continue growing with demand.
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.”
The new research further highlights that children tend to stick to familiar favourites, with 68 per cent of the region’s parents say they have stopped buying or serving certain fruit or vegetables after their child repeatedly refused them.
But since the launch of the programme, pupils have collectively sampled more than 100 different varieties of fruit and vegetables, helping to broaden tastes and encourage healthier choices.
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.”
Following the success of the fruit and veg scheme, Tesco is now launching the Giant Fruit & Veg Challenge, inviting 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.