Tesco has revealed it is bringing back a popular initiative for certain shoppers, launching on Monday, April 27. Following fresh data gathered by Tesco, the supermarket has opted to revive the campaign for several weeks.

Tesco's 'Free Fruit for Kids' is returning to stores for five weeks, meaning it will also run through much of May. The move follows research by the supermarket showing that just one in 10 children currently consume their recommended five-a-day.

The supermarket states it is pressing ahead with its mission to help families throughout the country eat more fruit and vegetables. For five weeks, until May 31, children shopping with their families can collect free apples at checkouts in large Tesco stores.

Tesco will also maintain the initiative throughout school holidays for the remainder of 2026. The apples supplied will be British-grown, helping youngsters access more of this fruit.

Tesco states: "The scheme builds on Tesco's commitment to making healthier choices easier for families, encouraging children to enjoy fruit as part of their day while shopping with their parents or carers. By providing access to free fruit beyond term time, Tesco aims to support families during school holidays, when routines change and access to healthy food can be more challenging."

From September 2026, Tesco will double its Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme, expanding from 500 to over 1,000 schools and reaching more than 388,000 children. Shoppers will have the opportunity to contribute to the programme's growth by donating each time they purchase fruit and vegetables at Tesco, up until May 24, reports the Mirror.

Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said: "We've set out an ambition to help one million children get free fruit and veg through our school and community programmes, supporting the development of healthy habits. Schools have told us what a positive impact the Tesco Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme has already made, so we're delighted to be able to double the number of schools receiving support from September."

Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: "A significant number of children in the UK are growing up with diets that don't support their health. Early food experiences matter, as they can help to shape children's confidence, habits and long-term health outcomes. By helping children enjoy and regularly eat fruit and vegetables from a young age, programmes like Tesco Free Fruit and Veg for Schools can help to make a lasting difference to diet and health now and in the future."

According to fresh research from Tesco, just one in ten children in the UK consumes their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables on a typical school day. More than a third (37.5%) of parents report that their child refuses fruit and veg altogether.

The research also reveals what actually works in terms of ensuring children consume their five-a-day, with almost three-quarters (73%) of parents and carers stating their child is more inclined to eat fruit and veg when they can select it themselves. An identical proportion (73%) believe making food enjoyable or visually appealing encourages youngsters to try more.

Therefore, to help more children achieve their five-a-day and obtain the nutritious food required for learning, Tesco is doubling its Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme from September. Participation is expanding from 500 to over 1,000 schools, with plans to double the programme once more the following year. Current results demonstrate that 94% of teachers report enhanced behaviour amongst pupils participating.

Tesco's data also reveals that children typically gravitate towards familiar favourites, with fruit considerably more prevalent than vegetables in their diets, while many parents acknowledge repeated refusals influence their household shopping habits. Just over two-thirds of parents (68%) admit they have ceased purchasing or serving particular fruit or vegetables after their child consistently rejected them.

Conversely, Tesco reports that pupils participating in Free Fruit and Veg for Schools have collectively tasted more than 100 different varieties of fruit and vegetables, helping to expand palates and promote healthier choices. To motivate and inspire children to be more adventurous with fruit and veg, Tesco is also launching the Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge.

The nationwide competition encourages youngsters to devise their own fruit and vegetable-packed creation, with the victorious recipe featured on menus throughout the UK and within Tesco's programme. The initiative is backed and judged by JLS star-turned-farmer JB Gill, alongside his son Ace, and a panel of experts and nutritionists.

For further details and to enter the Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge, visit www.tescopls.com/fruitandvegchallenge.