Falkirk schools encouraged to join Tesco free fruit and veg programme
Schools in Falkirk have been reminded that Tesco is set to double its free fruit and veg programme from September.
Schools can apply for a free food and vegetable grant worth as much as £1500, while also encouraging children to be more adventurous with their fruit and veg.
To create awareness for the expanded programme, Tesco has invited children to create fun fruit & veg-packed recipes with the winning recipe to be served in more than 1500 schools across the country.
Former JLS star turned farmer JB Gill, and his son Ace alongside a panel of experts and nutritionists, will decide the winning recipe before it’s shared on menus across the UK.
The latest stats have revealed that only one in ten youngsters eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables on a typical school day.
More than a third of parents admitted their child refuses to eat any fruit or vegetables at all.
Pupils taking part in the programme have so far had the opportunity to sample more than 100 different varieties of fruits and vegetables.
Along with the fruit and veg grants, Tesco has reintroduced free fruit for kids in store for five weeks from April 27, as well as during the school holidays.
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 and veg for schools programme has already made, so we’re delighted to be able to double the number of schools receiving support from September.”
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 and veg for schools can help to make a lasting difference to diet and health now and in the future.”
To find out more and how to enter the giant fruit and veg challenge visit the Tesco website.