Co-op’s free fruit scheme for youngsters

Lincolnshire Co-op’s free fruit scheme for youngsters has returned for the school summer holiday.

Running across all 100 food stores in the county the scheme allows children that are linked to an adult member’s account to pick up either a gala apple, banana, or orange for free on each day during selected school holidays. 

Almost 12,000 children are registered to the free fruit scheme, and during the last roll out between 13th Jan and 23rd February, the retailer gave out over 18,000 pieces of fruit, with banana proving to be the most popular option. 

Members of Lincolnshire Co-op can also access offers and discounts on local attractions and collect cashback for themselves and local good causes as they shop. 

Rik Greig, Membership Manager at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “If your child is not yet registered, it’s not too late. Simply add a child who’s aged under 13 to an adult membership and opt into postal communications or provide the details as part of the sign-up process to become a new member.” 

According to The Trussell Trust, three million children in the UK are facing hardship and hunger, meaning they are more than 25% below the Social Metrics Commission’s poverty line. 

Sam Turner, Community Manager at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “People facing food poverty may need support from a food bank, and can struggle to get hold of fresh produce. 

“Our free fruit scheme makes fresh fruit accessible to local families, as well as helping to promote healthy eating, and making it easier for families to establish these healthy eating habits within their children.”