Tesco Ireland is 'marking the millionth' this week as the Stronger Starts programme reaches its one million free, healthy and nutritious meal to primary school children and families at risk of food insecurity.
Two DEIS schools in Cavan - St Felim's National School and St Michael's National School - are currently benefiting from the programme, receiving packs containing fresh apples, onions, potatoes, and carrots every week.
Stronger Starts is an innovative community support programme from Tesco that helps to build thriving communities nationwide by providing children in 117 DEIS schools across Ireland with these nutritious food packs.
Speaking about the initiative, Rosemary Garth, Tesco Ireland Communications Director, said the company's ambition is to increase the number of families receiving the fresh food pack.
She added that, from speaking to school principals and home school liaison officers, Tesco is aware of the difference Stronger Starts is making to children's health.
Meanwhile, Tesco has been appointed one of Ireland's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) champions for 2023-2024 by Minister Eamon Ryan. The company says that as a grocery retailer, it is particularly committed to 'SDG2 Tackling Hunger', which aims to drive awareness through its Stronger Starts programme.
The programme also sits alongside Tesco's other community supports, including the Tesco Community Fund, its long-term charity partnership with Children's Health Foundation and work with FoodCloud and Olio to redistribute surplus food to those in need.
