Tesco giving away free fruit and veg at selected UK stores next week

Chain is giving away free food at stores across the UK this week as part of its Free Fruit and Veg for Schools initiative

Retail giant Tesco has today announced it will distribute complimentary fruit and vegetables to customers throughout the UK.

Tesco’s ‘Free Fruit and Veg for Schools’ initiative is making a comeback in shops, following new research from the supermarket revealing that merely one in 10 youngsters currently consume their recommended five portions daily.

Between 25th and 29th September, the complimentary pick ‘n’ mix station will arrive at Tesco locations across the Midlands, Wales, Scotland, Greater Manchester and Newcastle, allowing customers to collect apples, mangoes, avocados and mini cucumbers without charge.

Between 8.30am and 6pm, anyone encountering the blue and white installation – crafted to resemble a traditional pick ‘n’ mix bag – will have the opportunity to select a nutritious snack at no cost. Visitors can choose from a colourful array including apples, oranges, peppers and avocados.

Fresh survey data shows over three quarters (76%) of parents with children under 18 expressing their desire for their youngsters to consume more fruit and vegetables. Given that children dedicate considerable time at school, guaranteeing they can access nutritious choices there might help establish these practices as part of daily routine.

The Tesco Fruity Pick n Mix pop-up will be at the following stores:

• Fri 25th September: Cradley Heath Extra.
• Sat 26th September: Wrexham Extra.
• Sun 27th September: Middleton Extra.
• Mon 28th September: Newcastle Upon Tyne Extra.
• Tues 29th September: Musselburgh Extra.

The pop-up will be live from 10am at each store and fruit and veg will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tesco’s Free Fruit and Veg for Schools delivers funding to educational establishments with above-average numbers of pupils entitled to free school meals, working alongside the British Nutrition Foundation.

Since its launch in October 2024, the initiative has supplied nearly 20 million complimentary portions of fruit and vegetables to schoolchildren throughout the UK, and has now extended to 1,000 schools.

Pupils at participating establishments enjoy everything from well-known classics to more unusual produce, including blueberries, watermelon and asparagus, enabling them to explore new flavours while they learn and play.

Claire de Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, commented: “For many children, a piece of fruit or veg at school can be more than just a snack – it can be a chance to try something new, while providing important nutrients to support them as they learn and play. With 1,000 schools now taking part in the Tesco Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme, we’re looking forward to bringing these benefits to even more children and families, particularly in communities where there can be more barriers to accessing fresh produce. Our Fruity Pick ‘n’ Mix celebrates this milestone and encourages everyone to rediscover the joy of choosing their favourite fruit and veg.”

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.”

Furthermore, between 7th September and 4th October 2026, Tesco will contribute £0.01 for every fresh fruit, vegetable and salad product purchased in UK Tesco stores and on Tesco.com, up to a maximum donation of £2.3 million. This excludes prepared, dried, frozen or tinned fruit.

Items sold by weight will be counted as a single item. Visit tescoplc.com/Schools.