A Birmingham mother reports significant positive changes in her familys diet thanks to a Tesco school program boosting fruit and vegetable intake.
Many kids have low vitamin A levels, affecting 11% of young kids and 18% of older children. Vitamin A is key for immunity and supports vision and skin. Low-income families struggle to buy healthy food.
This led to the Tesco program, which began in October 2024.
The project invests four million pounds to help schools with many free lunch students.
They think kids’ fruit and veg intake will rise, expecting a 23% increase based on average intakes.
One school benefiting from this program is Holly Hill Church School. A mom noticed changes in their diet because her son, Eli, attends the school; he now wants to try new fruits.
Eli now asks for exotic fruits and enjoys them at school. They now buy more types of fruit. Eli likes to see the breakfast choices. The mom feels it is a great plan, and she hopes the program continues.
A school worker buys the produce weekly using a Tesco gift card. The school is in a poorer area, and they want to help families as much as they can.
Tesco gave the school a slow cooker, and kids learn to cook healthy and warm meals.
They take these meals home to their families.
The headteacher, Mark Carr, said kids try new fruits and vegetables and are eating healthier now. They make better choices, and kids love the fruit snacks. Berries such as strawberries are popular.
Over 50 schools get this help now. The program aims for healthier eating for kids. Thousands eat fresh produce every day, and since October 2024, it has impacted many.
The supermarket says kids ate 2.5 million portions, weighing over 194,000 kilos in total. It provides kids in need with essential items, such as vitamins and minerals. Kids need these to thrive, and the slow cookers help promote healthy foods and encourage healthy habits.
