Tesco anticipates a 23% increase in fruit and vegetable consumption among school-aged children as a result of this initiative.

Under Head Food Educator Tom Walker, students learn about the entire food process from 'seed to spoon', acquiring essential cooking skills.

The initiative has also donated £1,000 to support the kitchen and garden at Mandeville Primary School, which focuses on healthy eating education.

This program is part of Tesco's broader Stronger Starts community initiative, which has provided over £9 million in funding to support healthier lifestyles since June 2022.

Research indicates that only 12% of children aged 11 to 18 meet the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, highlighting a significant dietary deficiency.

Tesco has launched the Fruit & Veg for Schools initiative, aiming to provide fresh produce to 140,000 children in 400 schools across the UK.

With a £4 million investment, the program targets children in deprived areas to help them meet their five-a-day fruit and vegetable intake.

Poppy O'Toole, a Michelin-trained chef and social media influencer known as The Potato Queen, has become the ambassador for this initiative.

Ken Murphy, Tesco Group Chief Executive, emphasized the initiative's goal of ensuring every participating child receives at least one piece of fresh produce daily.

The initiative seeks to change perceptions of healthy food, making it enjoyable and nutritious for children nationwide.

O'Toole's mission is to make fruits and vegetables appealing to young audiences, challenging the stereotype that they are boring.

Headteacher Marc Thompson noted that involving children in growing food increases their willingness to try and eat it.