Tesco Ireland has announced that it will extend its Stronger Starts programme to a further 80 DEIS schools across Ireland.
The news comes as new research on Stronger Starts conducted by IPSOS B&A found children and parents alike benefit from the three-year-old programme.
The study revealed that almost nine out of ten parents surveyed are preparing more healthy food at home now, while eight out of ten said they see their children eating healthier.
Stronger Starts sees Tesco provide free packs of fresh fruit and vegetables to almost 5,000 children in 240 DEIS primary schools across Ireland every week.
Report Results
The Tesco Stronger Starts Food Impact Report highlights the significant health and wellbeing benefits for children and families receiving these free fresh food packs.
One of the major findings reveals that 87% of parents and guardians observed a positive impact on the proportion of healthy foods prepared at home, thus indicating the programme’s success in promoting healthier eating habits.
Additionally, some 78% of parents and guardians noted improvements in their child’s diet and physical health, while 73% observed a positive impact on school attendance, linking improved nutrition to better educational outcomes.
The study also revealed further benefits, with eight out of ten parents observing improved energy levels in their children, enhancements in mood and overall wellbeing.
Stronger Starts Food complements existing school programmes by providing healthier food options for consumption at home, leading to improved educational outcomes.
Over half of the educators involved reported a strong increase in participating children’s school attendance, energy levels, attention spans, motivation for learning and academic performance.
The programme has also provided a financial relief for participating families.
The report indicates that eight out of ten families noted a positive impact on their food and grocery budget, while the programme also helped foster greater family engagement, encouraging children to help in meal preparation and bringing families together.
'Significant Positive Impact'
Speaking about the programme, CEO of Tesco Ireland Natasha Adams said, “This research conducted by IPSOS B&A highlights the significant positive impact that the Tesco Stronger Starts programme is having on children and families across Ireland.
“Our commitment to championing children’s health is at the core of this initiative, and based on the report findings, we are today announcing the expansion of the programme to reach an additional 80 DEIS schools along with the pilot of a schools-based cookery programme to bring essential life skills to children, based around food.”
The Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary – who spoke at the launch of the report in Dublin today – added, “Ensuring children are eating healthy nutritious food is something which is close to my heart and the wellbeing of our children is paramount to this government.
“My department does important work through the School Meals Programme.
“However, government can’t do it alone. We need to work together across all sectors if we are to make the change we want to see.
“For that reason, I am delighted to see the great work being done through the Tesco Stronger Starts Programme.”
Read More: Tesco Ireland Opens New Store In Navan
