As the new academic year kicks off, numerous students are engaging in a novel curriculum that is revolutionizing their approach to learning, nutrition, and development.
The pioneering Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools program is dedicated to supplying significant quantities 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 participating schools is Ark Putney Academy in southwest London, where actor and comedian Babatunde Aléshé recently visited with a generous assortment of fruits and vegetables. Babatunde engaged with the students, providing an interactive lesson on the importance of consuming five portions of fruits and veggies daily, which was met with enthusiasm and eagerness by the children.
Launched in 2024, the Fruit & Veg for Schools initiative distributed over 10.8 million portions of healthy produce to 411 schools in its inaugural year, offering students a nutritional boost throughout the school day. The program has been expanded for the current academic year to encompass more than 500 schools, ensuring 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. Teachers unanimously agreed that Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools has positively impacted the lives of the young individuals it has reached.
Babatunde emphasized the satiating and energizing effects of consuming fruits and vegetables, drawing from his upbringing with a mother who was a school cook and advocated for healthier meal options. He highlighted the diverse range of items available through the program, such as bananas, blueberries, avocados, and spinach, which can be incorporated into breakfast clubs or healthy snack provisions.
The initiative not only focuses on providing nutritious food but also on educating children about the benefits of fruits and vegetables. By promoting awareness of the health advantages of various produce items, the program encourages children to make informed dietary choices.
Moreover, the emotional impact of the program has been noteworthy, with instances of children experiencing enhanced confidence and emotional well-being through roles like “fruit monitors.” These opportunities have empowered children and instilled a sense of purpose.
Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad expressed satisfaction with the positive outcomes observed in schools participating in the program. The program’s success in its initial year has prompted its expansion, aiming to reach more young individuals in disadvantaged communities across the UK.
With an increasing number of schools and students benefitting from the program, Tesco’s Fruit & Veg for Schools initiative is not only nourishing children but also sowing the seeds for a healthier future.