WEST Somerset children will be offered more free fruit and vegetables in their school meals, thanks to a new scheme run by Tesco’s Minehead store.

It follows a Tesco survey which showed more than 70 per cent of parents and carers reported children were more likely to eat fruit and vegetables when they could choose the food themselves, and 80 per cent said making food fun or visually creative encouraged children to try more.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “To help more children get more of their five-a-day quota, Tesco is doubling its free fruit and vegetables for schools programme from September with the aim of doubling the programme again the following year.

“The results to date speak for themselves, with 94 per cent of teachers reporting improved behaviour among pupils taking part.

“The new research further highlights why these schemes matter.

“Children tend to stick to familiar favourites with fruit being far more common than vegetables in their diets, and many parents say repeated refusal affects what they buy for the home.

“The study has shown 71 per cent of parents said they had stopped buying or serving certain fruit or vegetables after their child repeatedly refused to eat them.”

In contrast, pupils taking part in the free scheme had sampled more than 100 different varieties of fruit and vegetables, helping to broaden tastes and encourage healthier choices.

To encourage children to be more adventurous, Tesco is launching a ‘Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge’ which invites youngsters to dream up their own fruit and vegetable-packed dish, with the winning recipe shared on menus across the UK and in Tesco’s programme.

The challenge will be supported and judged by JLS boy band star and TV presenter turned farmer JB Gill and his son Ace, alongside a panel of experts and nutritionists.

Along with its fruit and vegetable grants and free fruit for kids in its stores, Tesco aims to support thousands more local children in having better and more nutritious food.

Customers will be able to help grow the programme with Tesco donating every time they buy fruit and vegetables up until May 24.

Tesco group chief executive Ken Murphy said: “We have set out an ambition to help one million children get free fruit and vegetables through our school and community programmes, supporting the development of healthy habits.

“Schools have told us what a positive impact the programme has already made, so we are delighted to be able to double the number of schools receiving support from September.”

British Nutrition Foundation chief executive Elaine Hindal said: “A significant number of children in the UK are growing up with diets that do not 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 the Tesco scheme can help to make a lasting difference to diet and health now and in the future.”