Schools across Renfrewshire received more than 18,000 portions of fruit and vegetables during the second year of Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme.
A total of 18,189 portions, weighing more than 1,000kg, were provided to help pupils access a greater variety of fresh fruit and vegetables during the school day.
Apples were the most popular choice among schools in the area, accounting for around 4,062 portions. They were followed by bananas with around 1,684 portions and onions with around 1,269 portions.
The local figures come as Tesco publishes an impact report on the programme, which was developed in partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation.
Across the UK, pupils at schools supported by the programme ate almost 20 million portions of fruit and vegetables during its first two years. The scheme reached up to 186,000 pupils.
Now in its third year, it has expanded to support more than 1,000 schools.
The report found that pupils’ vitamin C intake increased by an average of 4.2% in the last year. Vitamin A intake rose by 1.7%, fibre by 2.1% and folate by 1.8%.
Among teachers surveyed, 98% said the scheme encouraged pupils to eat a wider variety of fruit, while 94% reported improved behaviour.
Claire de Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “Schools continue to tell us what a positive impact the Tesco Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme has made on their children including sharper focus, more energy and better behaviour.
“Teachers all agreed that the scheme has made a positive difference to the lives of each young person it has reached.
“But we can do more. That’s why in this academic year, we are extending the scheme even further, to include more than 1,000 schools, to reach more children in the most challenged communities in the UK giving them access to the fruit and veg they need.”
More than 1,500 tonnes of fruit and vegetables have been provided since the programme began. Pupils have sampled 103 types of fruit and vegetables.
Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: “It’s incredibly encouraging to see the difference this programme is making for children and schools. We know that eating well can support children’s health, wellbeing and ability to learn, but that access to healthy food can be a challenge.
“That’s why we’re so pleased to see the programme continuing to grow, having already provided almost 20 million portions of fruit and vegetables and now reaching 1,000 schools. We’re proud to work with Tesco on an initiative that is helping more children enjoy healthy foods and build positive eating habits that can last a lifetime.”