Tesco launches £5m grant scheme to support schools with funding for food and healthy activities
Tesco is introducing a £5 million grant programme to give children across the UK a stronger start in life.
The scheme was launched last week by Diversity star Jordan Banjo at the supermarket’s headquarters.
Through a partnership with UK community charity Groundwork UK, the grants will help schools and children’s groups to provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing. This will include the offer of breakfast clubs or snacks, and equipment for healthy activities.
Customers are being encouraged to support their local school and children’s groups by dropping the Tesco blue token they receive at checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store.
The scheme will replace the current Tesco Community Grants funding programme.
Recent research from Groundwork found that 78% of schools are currently having to provide food for children from their own budget. The study also found that 51% of parents agreed that their child struggled to concentrate at school if they did not have breakfast.
Jason Tarry, Tesco UK chief executive, said: “Helping schools and children’s groups access the food and resources they need is vitally important in getting children a stronger start in life. Children with enough food have more energy, better concentration, and ultimately achieve more too.
“As a business that is at the heart of communities across the country, we know that urgent action is needed to support the development and prospects of young people. We hope our initiative will help families that are struggling to keep children fed and active.”
