Tesco expands Stronger Starts Food Programme to 80 more DEIS schools
New research from Tesco shows 87% of parents are preparing healthier meals at home thanks to Tesco’s Stronger Starts initiative
Print28 February 2025
80 new schools are to be added to the Tesco Stronger Starts Food Programme as new research reveals significant health benefits for children and families, arising from the three year old programme.
The study reveals that almost nine out of 10 parents surveyed are preparing more healthy food at home, with eight out of 10 seeing their children eating healthier.
Stronger Starts sees Tesco provide free packs of fresh fruit and vegetables to almost five thousand children in 240 DEIS primary schools across Ireland every week.
Stronger Starts report
The Tesco Stronger Starts Food Impact Report, conducted by IPSOS B&A, 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, indicating the programme’s success in promoting healthier eating habits.
Additionally, 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 additional benefits with eight out of 10 parents observing improved energy levels in their kids, and enhancements in mood and overall wellbeing.
Healthier options
Stronger Starts Food complements existing school programmes by providing healthier food options for consumption at home, leading to improved educational outcomes.
More than half of the educators involved reported a strong increase in participating children’s school attendance, energy levels, attention span, motivation for learning, and academic performance.
Supporting children who need it most, the programme has also provided significant financial relief for participating families.
The report indicates that eight out of 10 families noted a positive impact on their food and grocery budget while the programme also helped to foster greater family engagement, encouraging children to help in meal preparation and bringing families together.
“This research conducted by IPSOS B&A highlights the significant positive impact that the Tesco Stronger Starts Food programme is having on children and families across Ireland,” said Natasha Adams, chief executive officer, Tesco.
Children’s health
Based on the report findings, Tesco have announced 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.
Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, said: “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 on this through the School Meals Programme. However, the 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.”
Read more: Tesco Stronger Starts programme to double impact to 240 schools by end of 2024
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