With the commencement of the new academic year, numerous students are engaging in a fresh curriculum that is revolutionizing their learning, eating habits, and overall growth.
Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools stands out as a pioneering initiative that supplies millions of servings of nutritious food to schools catering to a larger proportion of students eligible for free meals. This initiative plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of children and improving their academic performance.
One of the beneficiaries of this program is Ark Putney Academy in southwest London, where actor and comedian Babatunde Aléshé visited with a generous supply of fruits and vegetables to provide an interactive lesson to students on the importance of consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
The scheme, launched in 2024, distributed over 10.8 million portions of healthy produce to 411 schools in its inaugural year, offering students a nutritional boost that they may not have access to otherwise. This year, the initiative has expanded to include over 500 schools, ensuring that each child receives a daily serving of fruits and vegetables.
Feedback from last year’s participating schools revealed that 94% of teachers observed enhanced classroom behavior, with students displaying increased focus, energy levels, and better conduct. Additionally, all teachers unanimously agreed that Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools has positively impacted the lives of the young individuals it has reached.
By providing a variety of fruits and vegetables such as bananas, blueberries, avocados, and spinach, the program supports initiatives like breakfast clubs and healthy tuck shops. This effort builds upon Tesco Stronger Starts, which aids schools and community organizations by funding essential food and activity resources to improve the well-being of children in the UK.
Babatunde emphasizes that the program not only feeds children but also educates them about the health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables. By imparting knowledge on the nutritional value of different foods, the initiative encourages children to make informed dietary choices.
Moreover, the program has had a positive emotional impact, as seen in one school where children struggling with confidence and emotional well-being were appointed as “fruit monitors,” boosting their self-assurance and providing them with a sense of purpose.
Ashwin Prasad, Tesco UK CEO, acknowledges the significant impact of the Tesco Fruit and Veg for Schools program on children, highlighting the success and expansion of the program to reach more young individuals in disadvantaged communities across the UK.
With an increasing number of schools joining the initiative, Tesco’s efforts are not just about providing meals but also sowing the seeds for a healthier future for children.
(Note: The impact report is referenced from September 2025.)