Tesco has confirmed that its popular Kids Eat Free scheme will be available at all 317 of its cafés across the UK throughout the summer school holidays. The initiative, which started on June 25, 2026, and runs until September 1, 2026, now includes weekends for the first time, having previously been limited to weekdays.
How the Scheme Works
Children can receive one free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast, or Kids Pick 'n' Mix deal with every item purchased by an adult, from as little as 60p, when the adult presents their Tesco Clubcard or Clubcard App at the till. The offer is subject to availability, and kids' meals may vary by café; in some locations, only the Kids Pick 'N' Mix Deal is available, which includes one sandwich, one drink, one fruit item, and a choice of two snacks. The deal cannot be combined with other promotions, vouchers, or rewards, and Tesco reserves the right to withdraw or amend the offer.
Free Fruit for Kids Returns
From July 20, 2026, Tesco's Free Fruit for Kids initiative will also return for the summer. Children can pick up free apples at checkouts in over 800 large Tesco stores and 77 of its large Express stores. Click & Collect customers will also receive free apples for their children at selected stores. This offer runs until August 30, 2026.
Support for Families Facing Hunger
Tesco issued the reminder as it announced additional support for children and families at risk of hunger during the school holidays, when many lose access to free school meals. According to The Trussell Trust, the UK's largest community of food banks, food bank support for children remains more than a third (34%) higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic, including a 24% increase in emergency food parcels for children under five.
A survey by Felix, the new name for merged charities FareShare and The Felix Project, found that 41% of local charities receiving food via its nationwide food redistribution network have seen a rise in demand in the last 12 months. For 13% of those charities, demand for food support had more than doubled over the same period due to cost of living pressures.
How Customers Can Help
Shoppers who can afford to can support others by purchasing pre-filled food donation bags available in all large Tesco stores. These bags, typically costing between £2 and £4, contain healthy, nutritious long-life food and essentials. They are available from July 6 to August 16 in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and from July 20 to August 30 in England and Wales. The donated items are sent to Felix and The Trussell Trust, who distribute them to charities and food banks.
From August 3 to August 9, customers can round up their bill at the checkout to the nearest pound, with the funds split between the two charities to support their summer work. Online shoppers can also make a monetary donation through a giving link on Tesco's grocery home shopping website at checkout.
School Programme
Additionally, Tesco's Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme supports more than 500 schools across the country, ensuring children can access fruit and vegetables during the school day.
