Tesco - Fruit & Veg Grants

Background

The Tesco Fruit & Veg Grants programme aims to make a positive difference to children by improving their access to free fruit and vegetables. The programme is managed by Tesco's community charity partner, Groundwork (with greenspace scotland supporting projects in Scotland). Funding is distributed through a customer vote in Tesco stores using blue tokens.

Objectives of Fund

The fund supports projects that help children and young people access nutritious food. It welcomes applications that use healthy food to support nutritious diets, including providing fruit or healthy snacks in schools, supporting breakfast or holiday clubs, cooking or gardening initiatives, or providing healthy refreshments for sports clubs.

Value Notes

Grants of up to £1,500 are available. Every four months, three local projects are shortlisted for a customer vote in Tesco stores. All shortlisted projects receive funding, with the blue token vote determining the exact amount:

• 1st place: Up to £1,500
• 2nd place: Up to £1,000
• 3rd place: Up to £500

Tesco can fund 100% of project costs, so match funding is not required. Any additional funding secured can form part of wider project costs.

Who Can Apply

Applications are welcome from:

• Schools
• Registered charities
• Not-for-profit organisations supporting children and young people

Eligible groups include voluntary or community organisations (including registered charities/companies), sports teams for young people, uniformed services (Brownies, Guides, Scouts, Cadets), nurseries, and playgroups. This list is not exhaustive.

Location

United Kingdom.

Restrictions

Applications are not eligible from:

• Individuals
• Community Interest Companies with shares (CICs)
• Community Interest Companies with guarantee that are less than two years old
• Profit-making organisations

Funding cannot be used for:

• Work that has already taken place
• Political donations
• Fundraising activities or challenges
• Running costs and organisation overheads
• Conferences or seminars
• Activities which collect funds for redistribution
• Overseas appeals
• Expeditions or overseas travel
• Promotion of a religious or political cause
• Marketing promotions
• Research projects
• Projects or activities that the state has a legal obligation to provide

Eligible Expenditure

Projects should incorporate provision of healthy food, including fruit and vegetables. Examples include:

• Breakfast/after school clubs providing fruit and veg
• Sports clubs providing healthy snacks
• Growing initiatives (grow your own fruit and veg)
• Cooking classes using food to learn
• Holiday clubs providing healthy meals and snacks
• SEND provision with healthy snacks/meals
• Youth clubs providing healthy meals/snacks
• Addressing holiday hunger
• Healthy eating projects supporting families to cook on a budget
• Foodbanks providing food support to families

How To Apply

Step 1: Read the guidance notes on the Tesco website.
Step 2: Find your local Tesco store using the store locator (you'll need this for the application).
Step 3: Submit your application via the online form.

Applications are assessed by Tesco colleagues, who help select projects for the regional vote. Customers and colleagues can also nominate local schools, projects, or community groups for consideration.

The programme runs on a rolling basis, with votes and funding distributed every four months.