The Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme hits more Skipton schools, as new research finds most children fall short of their five-a-day.
Only one in eleven Yorkshire and the Humber children currently eat their recommended five-a-day, according to new research.
But the findings also show what does work when it comes to getting five a day into kids with over three-quarters (76%) of Yorkshire and the Humber parents and carers saying their child is more likely to eat fruit and veg when they can choose it themselves, while seven in ten (71%) say making food fun or visually creative encourages children to try more.
So, to help more children get more of their five-a-day and the nutritious food they need to learn, Tesco is doubling its Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme from September, with the aim of doubling the programme again the following year.
The new research further highlights why schemes like Free Fruit & Veg for Schools matter.
To encourage and inspire children to be more adventurous with fruit and veg and to celebrate the expansion of its Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, Tesco is launching the Giant Fruit & Veg Challenge.
The competition invites children to dream up their own fruit and veg-packed dish, with the winning recipe shared on menus across the UK and in Tesco’s programme.
The challenge is supported and judged by JLS star turned farmer JB Gill, and his son Ace, alongside a panel of experts and nutritionists.
Along with its Fruit & Veg Grants and Free Fruit for Kids in its stores, Tesco aims to support thousands more local children in getting more of the good stuff.
Customers will be able to help grow the programme with Tesco donating every time customers buy fruit and veg at Tesco up until 24 May.
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, 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.
"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.”
For more information and to enter the Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge, visit www.tescopls.com/fruitandvegchallenge
North Yorkshire Council deputy leader to step down
Plans for Addingham's most chaotic and hilarious day of the year
Skipton Craven Rotary to close down this year
Council issues fly-tipping warning as new waste rules come into force
London Marathon success as local runners raise more than £10k for The Principle Trust
Charity football match to return to honour teen
Cost of school transport travel permits rise by 73 per cent in six years
Strategy aims for 60,000 hew homes in York and North Yorkshire
New Sicilian restaurant to open in Skipton
Yorkshire Air Ambulance appeal as fuel costs soar
Registration scheme introduced at recycling centres
Embsay Festival set to return this May
Volunteers recognised in Local Litter Free Awards
Rugby4Respite raised over £7k for The Principle Trust
Skipton BID announce return of Business Awards
Controversial library network reconfiguration has led to better service, say council leaders
20 shops in Skipton to be re-vamped under new funding
Vandalism forces closure of park toilets in Glusburn and Crosshills
Skipton businesses nominated in Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026
North Yorkshire EV charger roll-out 'paused not abandoned'
