Tesco has announced it is bringing back a popular scheme that allows children to enjoy a free piece of fruit. The initiative returns as families prepare for the long school break, which can bring significant financial strain.
Free apples available at hundreds of stores
Children visiting more than 800 large Tesco stores and 77 major Express locations will be able to pick up fresh apples at the checkouts completely free of charge. The scheme runs from July 20 through to August 30, covering the peak of the summer holidays.
Tesco says the widespread availability will help ensure the offer reaches millions of families across the country, providing a healthy snack option during their weekly shop. The scheme is specifically timed to bridge the gap during the most demanding weeks of the year.
Click and Collect included
Tesco is also extending the offer to its Click and Collect services. Parents using selected collection points can receive free apples for their children alongside their pre-ordered groceries.
Sharing the announcement on Instagram, Tesco said: "Free Fruit for Kids is back this summer to help children get one of their five a day. From 20 July to 30 August, children can pick up a free apple at over 800 large Tesco stores and selected Express stores. Click and Collect customers will also be given free apples for their children at selected stores. Subject to availability."
Long-term health goals
Tesco's free fruit for kids scheme was first launched in 2016, designed to provide a healthier alternative to sweets and chocolates often found at checkouts. Beyond the summer holidays, Tesco has set a goal to improve the health of the nation's youth by providing one million school-aged children with free access to fruit and vegetables by July 2029.
Partnering with the British Nutrition Foundation, Tesco also runs a Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme. Tesco says: "We want to help one million school kids get fruit and veg for free. Because every little helps. Our Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme is providing access to fruit and veg across over 500 schools in the UK, supporting thousands of children get more of their five-a-day."
Additional support for families
In addition to the fruit giveaway, Tesco is also offering other food-related help. The popular "Kids Eat Free" offer continues in Tesco cafés, providing a full meal for children with any adult purchase. The scheme is available in 317 cafés across the UK during the school summer holidays. This year, it has been expanded to run for longer across all regions and now includes weekends.
The supermarket’s cafés will offer one free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast or Kids Pick ‘n’ Mix deal with each item bought by an adult from as little as 60p, when showing their Tesco Clubcard or Clubcard App at the till.
Customers will also notice pre-filled donation bags in stores, allowing them to contribute essential items to local food banks. From July 6 to August 16 in Scotland and Northern Ireland and July 20 to August 30 in England and Wales, Tesco will sell pre-filled food donation bags in all large stores. The bags, typically costing between £2 and £4, contain healthy and nutritious long-life food and essentials. Donated items go directly to Felix and Trussell, who distribute them to charities and food banks.
Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: "We want to be able to support our charity partners to help those needing a little extra support this summer. Our partnerships with Felix and Trussell are central to this aim. When you’re out doing your weekly shop this summer, dropping a few tins into a food collection point, picking up a food donation bag in our stores or rounding up our grocery bill, can make a difference to the lives of thousands of children in communities across the UK."
