Tesco Ireland continues providing food to Waterford DEIS schools this year by providing 220 children with 104,083 meals through the Tesco Stronger Starts Food programme.

 The initiative sees Tesco provide free packs of fresh fruit and vegetables to children who need it most in the county by partnering with 11 DEIS primary schools.

240 DEIS primary schools facilitate Tesco Stronger Starts Food every week, with an additional 80 schools to be added in 2025.

The Tesco Stronger Starts Food Impact Report, based on research conducted by IPSOS B&A, highlights the significant health and wellbeing benefits for children and families receiving these free fresh food packs.

Pictured at the launch of the Tesco Stronger Starts Food Impact Report, Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary T.D.; and Tesco Ireland CEO Natasha Adams.

The study reveals that almost 9 out of 10 parents surveyed are preparing more healthy food at home, with 8 out of 10 seeing their children eating more healthily.

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 8 out of 10 parents observing improved energy levels in their kids, and 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 educators surveyed for the report noted 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 8 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.

Waterford has one of the largest presences of Tesco operations in Ireland, with five stores across the Waterford City and Tramore, as well as its customer engagement centre in Butlerstown in Waterford City.

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