Tesco is offering shoppers a freebie at the till this May as it brings back a popular scheme. The supermarket giant, which competes with Aldi, Lidl, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's, is reintroducing its Free Fruit for Kids initiative in-store for five weeks.
Part of a Larger Programme
The initiative is part of Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, which has already reached more than 188,000 children across the UK, according to company officials. The programme, available in 2,800 stores, aims to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables, as many are not getting their recommended five-a-day.
Ambition to Reach One Million Children
Tesco has set an ambitious goal to help one million schoolchildren across the UK access free fruit and vegetables through its school and community programmes by July 2029. As part of this effort, the company is providing funding to schools to purchase fruit and veg through its Free Fruit & Veg for Schools and Fruit & Veg Grants programmes.
How Shoppers Can Get Involved
Under the scheme, Tesco shoppers can participate by voting in-store to award new Fruit and Veg Grants to schools and kids' groups across the UK through the blue token scheme. This allows customers to directly support local educational institutions and community groups.
Expansion and New Initiatives
Tesco is doubling its Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme from September, increasing participation from 500 to over 1,000 schools. The company also plans to double this number again next year. Additionally, Tesco is launching the Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge, a competition that invites children to create their own fruit and vegetable-packed dish. The winning recipe will be featured on menus across the UK.
CEO and Expert Comments
Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said: “We’ve set out an ambition to help one million children get free fruit and veg through our school and community programmes, supporting the development of healthy habits. Schools have told us what a positive impact the Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has already made, so we’re delighted to be able to double the number of schools receiving support from September.”
Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, commented: “A significant number of children in the UK are growing up with diets that don’t support their health. Early food experiences matter, as they can help to shape children’s confidence, habits, and long-term health outcomes. By helping children enjoy and regularly eat fruit and vegetables from a young age, programmes like Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools can help to make a lasting difference to diet and health now and in the future.”
