Tesco is set to double its Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme, expanding the scheme to more schools in Oldham from this September. The supermarket giant aims to support thousands of local children as part of a broader push to improve healthy eating habits among young people across the region.

Research commissioned by Tesco reveals that less than ten per cent of children in the North West eat five portions of fruit and vegetables on a typical school day. The study also found that 36 per cent of parents report their child refuses fruit and vegetables altogether, raising concerns about long-term health outcomes for Oldham families.

The findings highlight how choice and presentation can make a difference. Around 72 per cent of parents said children are more likely to eat fruit and vegetables when they can choose them, while 78 per cent said making food visually appealing encourages them to try more. These insights are informing the expansion, which aims to reach more pupils across Oldham schools.

Tesco plans to double the size of its Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme from September, with a further expansion planned the following year. The company has set a target of supporting one million children across the UK through its school and community schemes by July 2029. For Oldham, this means more pupils will have access to fresh produce during the school day, helping to tackle poor dietary habits from an early age.

Teachers involved in the programme have reported notable changes in behaviour. Tesco says that 94 per cent of participating teachers have seen improvements among pupils taking part. This suggests the scheme is not only increasing access to fruit and vegetables but also influencing children's attitudes towards healthy eating in the classroom.

The research indicates that children often favour familiar foods, with fruit more commonly eaten than vegetables. It also found that 72 per cent of parents have stopped buying certain items after repeated refusal. Despite these challenges, pupils in the programme have tried more than 100 varieties of fruit and vegetables, according to Tesco, showing that exposure can broaden young palates.

To support the expansion, Tesco has launched the Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge. This initiative invites children to create their own dishes using fruit and vegetables, with the winning recipe set to be included on school menus across more than 1,500 schools. Oldham pupils are encouraged to take part, offering a chance to see their creations served in local canteens.

Tesco Group chief executive Ken Murphy said the initiative is designed to build long-term healthy habits. 'We are working towards helping one million children access free fruit and vegetables through our programmes,' he said. 'This expansion means more children in Oldham will benefit from these opportunities, laying the foundation for healthier futures.'

Elaine Hindal, chief executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, stressed the importance of early diet in shaping long-term health. 'Encouraging children to enjoy fruit and vegetables from a young age can influence future habits and outcomes,' she said. 'Schemes like this are vital for communities such as Oldham, where access to fresh produce can make a real difference.'

Tesco has also announced that it will donate funding to support the scheme when customers buy fruit and vegetables in store until 24 May. This means Oldham shoppers can directly contribute to the programme by doing their regular grocery shopping, helping to ensure more local children have access to free, healthy food.

The expansion represents a significant step for Oldham, where the scheme is already making an impact. By involving the community and encouraging children to try new foods, Tesco hopes to foster healthier habits that will last a lifetime. With the September roll-out approaching, local schools and families are encouraged to get involved and support this initiative.