Children in Darlington are getting a fresh boost with free fruit and vegetables thanks to a supermarket chain.
The Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools scheme has been expanded in the town and is now reaching twice as many schools, part of the retailer’s wider ambition to help one million school children across the UK access free fruit and vegetables by July 2029 through its school and community programmes.
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."
The expansion comes as new research reveals that 90 per cent of children in the North East are not eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Only one in ten children in the region currently meet the daily target on a typical school day, and 45 per cent of parents say their child refuses fruit and veg altogether.
The scheme not only aims to improve nutrition but has shown wider benefits in the classroom.
According to Tesco, 94 per cent of teachers nationwide have reported improved behaviour among pupils who take part.
To further encourage children to enjoy healthy foods, Tesco is launching the Giant Fruit & Veg Challenge, inviting children to create their own fruit and veg-packed dishes.
The winning recipe will be served in more than 1,500 schools nationwide.
The competition is supported and judged by JLS star and farmer JB Gill, alongside his son Ace and a panel of experts and nutritionists.
Elaine Hindal, chief executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: "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.
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"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."
Tesco will donate a portion of sales from fruit and veg purchases to support the programme until May 24.
For more information or to take part in the Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge, visit www.tescoplc.com/fruitandvegchallenge.
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