Liam Melody, Tesco Westport store manager, Bríd Grady, principal, Killeen National School, Louisburgh, and Donal Walsh, Tesco Westport customer experience manager, at Scoil Náisiúnta an Teaghlaigh Naofa (Killeen NS) to celebrate six schools in Mayo now receiving free fresh food packs through the Tesco Stronger Starts schools programme.

Six Mayo schools now part of Tesco Ireland’s Stronger Starts programme

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Six schools in Mayo are now receiving free fresh food packs through Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme.

Last year, Tesco Ireland committed to doubling the reach of its Stronger Starts schools programme by the end of 2024, and it is already providing weekly fresh food packs to 240 DEIS primary schools and 5,400 children throughout Ireland.

Each food pack contains a mix of seasonal fruit and vegetables, including fresh apples, onions, potatoes and carrots, and is delivered to those who need it most to feed the potential of a healthier future for children throughout Ireland.

Liam Melody, store manager of Tesco Westport, stated: “It’s great to hear from local school principals and home school community liaisons of the impact the Tesco Stronger Starts schools programme has on their pupils while they’re in class and engaging with other children.

“I’m delighted to see it first-hand too while visiting Scoil Náisiúnta an Teaghlaigh Naofa (Killeen National School), and my team and I are looking forward to fostering a close partnership with this school.”

Rosemary Garth, communications director at Tesco Ireland, said: “Reaching this milestone ahead of schedule is hugely significant and shows the ambition and momentum behind this important initiative. To date, Tesco has distributed over two million meals via DEIS primary schools, and this announcement means that hundreds more primary school children and families who are most in need will receive free nutritious fresh fruit and veg to help with healthier meal solutions at home.”

The Tesco Stronger Starts schools programme has grown rapidly in recent years. It began as a pilot programme in 2021, providing food parcels to children in 40 DEIS schools. Key Irish food producers and longstanding Tesco supplier partners Country Crest, Keelings and Dole are also a vital link in the chain to ensure these families get the support they need. By doubling the reach, Tesco Ireland aims to build thriving communities nationwide.

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