As the current academic year progresses, numerous students are engaging in a novel educational experience that is revolutionizing their learning, dietary habits, and overall development.
The Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools program stands out as a pioneering effort that supplies millions of portions of nutritious food to schools with a high proportion of students receiving free meals. This initiative aims to enhance children’s well-being and academic performance.
Among the beneficiary schools is Ark Putney Academy in southwest London, where students were treated to a special visit from actor and comedian Babatunde Aléshé. Babatunde brought along a variety of fruits and vegetables, offering an engaging lesson to the pupils on the importance of consuming their recommended daily servings.
Witnessing the enthusiasm of the children during the interactive session, Babatunde, a father of two, expressed his delight. He mentioned how the students eagerly engaged in activities such as chopping pineapples, enjoying mangoes, munching on carrots, and peeling oranges. The positive response from the children demonstrated their understanding and appreciation of healthy eating habits.
Introduced in 2024, the Fruit & Veg for Schools initiative distributed over 10.8 million portions of fresh produce to 411 schools during its inaugural year, providing essential nutrition to students throughout the school day. This successful program has expanded to include over 500 schools for the current academic year, ensuring that each child receives a daily serving of fruits and vegetables.
Notably, feedback from teachers involved in the previous year’s program indicated significant improvements in classroom behavior, with 94% reporting enhanced focus, increased energy levels, and better conduct among students. Additionally, all teachers unanimously agreed that Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools has positively impacted the lives of the young individuals it has reached.
Reflecting on the program’s benefits, Babatunde emphasized the filling and energizing qualities of consuming fruits and vegetables, citing their ability to sustain students through classes and playtime. Drawing from his childhood experiences with healthy eating, he highlighted the transformative impact such initiatives could have had on his own school days.
The assortment of offerings under the program includes popular items like bananas, blueberries, avocados, and spinach, which can be incorporated into breakfast clubs or utilized in setting up nutritious snack stations. Building upon the foundation of Tesco Stronger Starts, which aids schools and community organizations by providing essential food and activity resources, the Fruit & Veg for Schools program aims to equip children in the UK with a healthier start in life.
Babatunde stressed the educational aspect of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of teaching children about the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables. By imparting knowledge on the health advantages of various produce, the program encourages children to make informed dietary choices and prioritize nutritious options over sugary treats.
Furthermore, the impact of the program extends beyond physical health, as demonstrated in schools where students struggling with confidence and emotional well-being were appointed as “fruit monitors,” fostering a sense of empowerment and purpose among the children.
Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad acknowledged the overwhelmingly positive feedback from schools regarding the transformative effects of the Fruit and Veg for Schools program on students. The program’s success in its initial year has prompted an expansion to reach more young individuals in underprivileged communities across the UK, providing them with increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
With a growing number of schools embracing the initiative and more students benefiting from the nutritious offerings, Tesco’s program is not only nourishing children but also sowing the seeds for a healthier future.
