Tesco announces free fruit for next five weeks for certain customers in new update

Tesco has announced it has brought back a popular scheme for certain customers to take part in, starting on Monday, April 27. In response to new data collected by Tesco , the supermarket has decided to relaunch the campaign for several weeks. Tesco's ' Free Fruit for Kids ' is returning to stores for five weeks, meaning it will also run through much of May. It comes as only one in 10 children currently eat their recommended five-a-day, according to the supermarket's new research. The supermarket says it is continuing its mission to help families across the nation eat more fruit and vegetables . For five weeks, until May 31, children shopping with their families will be able to pick up free apples at checkouts in large Tesco stores. Tesco will also continue the initiative across school holidays for the rest of 2026. Click and Collect customers will also be given free apples for their children in over 100 of Tesco’s large stores. The apples provided will be British-grown, helping children access more of this fruit. Tesco says: "The scheme builds on Tesco’s commitment to making healthier choices easier for families, encouraging children to enjoy fruit as part of their day while shopping with their parents or carers. By providing access to free fruit beyond term time, Tesco aims to support families during school holidays, when routines change and access to healthy food can be more challenging." In addition, from September 2026, Tesco will double its Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme, expanding from 500 to over 1,000 schools and reaching more than 388,000 children. Customers will be able to help grow the programme by donating every time they buy fruit and veg at Tesco, up until May 24. 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 and 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 and Veg for Schools can help to make a lasting difference to diet and health now and in the future." According to new research from Tesco, only one in ten UK children eats their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables on a typical school day. More than a third (37.5%) of parents say their child refuses fruit and veg altogether. The findings also show what does work when it comes to getting five a day into kids, with nearly three-quarters (73%) of parents and carers saying their child is more likely to eat fruit and veg when they can choose it themselves. The same proportion (73%) 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 and Veg for Schools programme from September. It is increasing participation from 500 to over 1,000 schools, with the aim to double the programme again the following year. The results to date show that 94% of teachers report improved behaviour among pupils taking part. Tesco's data also shows that children tend to stick to familiar favourites, with fruit far more common than vegetables in their diets, and many parents say repeated refusals shape what they buy at home. Just over two-thirds of parents (68%) say they have stopped buying or serving certain fruit or vegetables after their child repeatedly refused them. By contrast, Tesco says pupils taking part in Free Fruit and Veg for Schools have collectively sampled more than 100 different varieties of fruit and vegetables, helping to broaden tastes and encourage healthier choices. To encourage and inspire children to be more adventurous with fruit and veg, Tesco is also launching the Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge. The nationwide 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. For more information and to enter the Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge, visit www.tescopls.com/fruitandvegchallenge .