As the new academic year commences, numerous students are delving into a fresh curriculum that is reshaping their learning, eating, and growth experiences.
An innovative program called Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools is revolutionizing the way children learn and consume food. This unique initiative aims to provide millions of servings of nutritious food to schools with a high proportion of students receiving free meals, enhancing children’s well-being and academic performance.
Among the participating schools is Ark Putney Academy in southwest London, which recently enjoyed a special visit from actor and comedian Babatunde Aléshé. Babatunde engaged students in a fun lesson on the importance of consuming five portions of fruits and vegetables daily, sparking excitement and eagerness among the children.
Launched in 2024, the Fruit & Veg for Schools program distributed over 10.8 million healthy food portions to 411 schools in its inaugural year, offering students a daily nutritional boost. The initiative has now expanded to encompass more than 500 schools for the current academic year, ensuring that each child receives at least one piece of fruit or vegetable daily.
Feedback from teachers involved in the previous year’s program revealed significant improvements in classroom behavior, focus, and energy levels among students. The positive impact of Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools on the lives of young individuals has been unanimously acknowledged by educators.
Babatunde emphasizes the satiating and energizing effects of consuming fruits and vegetables, drawing from his childhood experiences with healthy eating. He envisions the program as an invaluable resource that educates children about the benefits of a balanced diet, encouraging them to make healthier food choices.
The selection of items offered through the program includes bananas, blueberries, avocados, and spinach, which can be incorporated into breakfast clubs or utilized to establish healthy snack options. Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools aligns with the objectives of Tesco Stronger Starts, which aids schools and community organizations by funding essential food and activity resources for children in the UK.
Anticipating a widespread influence, Babatunde underscores the educational aspect of the program, emphasizing the importance of teaching children about the nutritional value of various fruits and vegetables. This knowledge empowers students to make informed dietary decisions and opt for healthier alternatives.
Additionally, the emotional impact of the initiative has been evident in schools where students appointed as “fruit monitors” experienced improved confidence and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of purpose and self-assurance.
Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad highlights the positive feedback received from schools regarding the transformative effects of the Tesco Fruit and Veg for Schools program on students. The expansion of the initiative aims to provide increased access to fruits and vegetables for young individuals in disadvantaged communities, promoting healthier dietary habits.
With an ever-growing number of schools embracing the initiative, Tesco’s commitment extends beyond nourishing children to sowing the seeds for a healthier future, paving the way for a generation with improved well-being and dietary awareness.