Free fruit and veg scheme improving pupil behaviour

New data from Tesco's Fruit & Veg for Schools programme shows that 94% of teachers reported improved behaviour from pupils taking part in the scheme, including sharper focus and more energy in the classroom.

Now in its second year, the Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, developed in partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation, has expanded to support over 500 schools, specifically targeted in areas with a high proportion of pupils receiving free school meals. 

Their latest Impact Report analysed the effects of the free fruit and veg on over 140,000 children. The produce has boosted Vitamin A by 4%, Fibre intakes increased by 3.6% and folate, which reduces tiredness, was up by 3%.
 
With almost 900 tonnes of fruit and veg bought through the programme and the purchasing power in the hands of the pupils, the receipts made for interesting reading. Most popular fruits were oranges, grapes, strawberries, apples and bananas; and top of the veggies were cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, broccoli and most surprisingly, cabbage.

Teachers across the nation backed the importance of healthy eating in the classroom, with a study of 500 UK teachers revealing that 96% would say that pupils are eager and more ready to learn when they’ve eaten well. The vast majority (88%) of teachers have experienced children coming to school hungry, with this figure increasing to 94% teaching in challenged areas. 66% say they brought in food from home or purchased healthy food for their pupils before as they were worried the kids weren’t getting enough food (46%). 

Virtually all those asked (98%) agree nutrition is a key foundation to learning but 83% say it can be difficult to inspire children when it comes to healthy eating.
It seems the nation’s schoolkids are branching out from sweet treats. In Birmingham, West Heath Primary School took to crunchy veg, ordering more carrots than anyone else*. Officially the ‘Carrot Crusaders’, the pupils purchased 14 times the national average, or 816 packs. The pupils went bananas for carrot sticks, with teachers saying they were surprised by how popular the veg was with the 4-11-year-olds who couldn’t get enough.

Claire de Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “Schools have told us what a positive impact the Tesco Fruit and Veg for Schools programme has made on their children including sharper focus, more energy and better behaviour. Every teacher we surveyed for the report agreed that the scheme has made a positive difference to the lives of each young person it has reached. By expanding the scheme in year two we can ensure that even more young people in some of the most challenged communities in the UK get access to the fruit and veg they need to thrive.” 

Pupils who participated in the first year of the scheme ate nearly 80 portions of fruit and veg, on average, with every single teacher asked agreeing that it has had a positive impact on their pupils. Nearly all (99%) teachers said the scheme encourages pupils to eat a wider variety of fruit and veg and 94% reported improved behaviour.

It’s also encouraged children to try new and unusual foods, including ones that can be hard to access on a restricted budget – like blueberries, watermelon, asparagus and more.