With the commencement of the new academic year, numerous students are engaging in a fresh educational experience that is revolutionizing their approach to learning, nutrition, and development.
A groundbreaking endeavor known as Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools is providing a substantial quantity of nutritious food portions to schools with a higher-than-average proportion of students receiving free school 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 had the privilege of a special visit from actor and comedian Babatunde Aléshé. Babatunde, a father of two, brought a large assortment of fruits and vegetables to conduct an engaging lesson on the importance of consuming five portions of fruits and vegetables daily.
The Fruit & Veg for Schools program was introduced in 2024, delivering over 10.8 million portions of healthy produce to 411 schools in its inaugural year. This year, the initiative has expanded to include more than 500 schools, ensuring that each child receives at least one piece of fresh fruit or vegetable every day.
Feedback from teachers participating in the program indicates significant improvements in student behavior and focus. Teachers reported a 94% increase in classroom attentiveness, energy levels, and overall behavior. Furthermore, all teachers unanimously agreed that Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools has positively impacted the lives of the students it has reached.
The program not only provides fruits and vegetables but also educates students on the nutritional benefits of various produce. Babatunde emphasizes the importance of instilling healthy eating habits in children, highlighting the role of fruits and vegetables in providing essential vitamins and promoting overall well-being.
The initiative offers a variety of items such as bananas, blueberries, avocados, and spinach, which can be incorporated into school breakfast clubs or healthy snack options. By building on the foundation of Tesco Stronger Starts, which supports schools and community groups with essential resources, the program aims to give children a better start in life.
Babatunde envisions a lasting impact from Fruit & Veg for Schools, emphasizing the educational aspect of the program in addition to providing nutritious food. By teaching children about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, the initiative encourages them to make healthy choices and understand the importance of a balanced diet.
The emotional impact of the program has been profound, with instances where students appointed as “fruit monitors” experienced enhanced confidence and emotional well-being. Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad acknowledges the positive feedback from schools regarding the program’s impact on students and underscores the commitment to expanding access to fresh produce for young people in underprivileged communities.
By promoting healthier eating habits and expanding its reach to more schools, Tesco’s Fruit & Veg for Schools initiative is sowing the seeds for a healthier future for children across the UK.