Now in its second year the Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, developed in partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation, has expanded to support over 500 schools specifically targeted in areas with a high proportion of pupils receiving free school meals.
Their latest Impact Report, which analyses the effects of the free fruit and veg on over 140,000 children, found:
- The produce has boosted Vitamin A by 4%
- Fibre intakes increased by 3.6%
- Folate, which reduces tiredness, was up by 3%.
- The children saw an average 7.4% increase, the equivalent of 15 days-worth, in Vitamin C intake alone.
Pupils who participated in the first year of the scheme ate nearly 80 portions of fruit and veg, on average, with every single teacher asked agreeing that it has had a positive impact on their pupils.
Nearly all (99%) teachers said the scheme encourages pupils to eat a wider variety of fruit and veg and 94% reported improved behaviour. The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 500 primary or secondary school teachers in UK.
Claire de Silva, head of communities at Tesco, said: “Schools have told us what a positive impact the Tesco Fruit and Veg for Schools programme has made on their children including sharper focus, more energy and better behaviour.
“Every teacher we surveyed for the report agreed that the scheme has made a positive difference to the lives of each young person it has reached. By expanding the scheme in year two we can ensure that even more young people in some of the most challenged communities in the UK get access to the fruit and veg they need to thrive.”
Boldon School in South Tyneside ate the most fruit and veg overall and were named the ‘Ultimate Munchers’ with 14,778 items eaten throughout the school year, that’s nearly four times more than the average amount purchased.
Most popular fruits were oranges, grapes, strawberries, apples and bananas. Top of the veggies were cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, broccoli and cabbage.
Val Hanson, senior student mentor at Boldon School, added: “Not in a month of Sundays did we realise the difference free fruit and veg would have on our school – it’s phenomenal. More than half of our pupils are on free school meals and having access to healthy food has not only made sure they’re getting the vitamins and nutrients they need, but it’s also been ideal for some of the kids who are quite vulnerable.
“We get some of the children who are having a tough time at home or who need help with behaviour or attendance involved in the scheme, helping us to shop or distribute the fruit every week. Having that routine, being involved as part of a group, making new friends and meeting people in the shops can really build confidence and it almost works as a counselling session sometimes.”