Supermarket giant Tesco has announced a £5m grant programme which will allow 5,300 schools across the UK including Ealing to apply for funding to support pupils with food and resources to help them.
In a statement, the retailer said the scheme will be supported by UK community charity Groundwork and replaces the current Tesco Community Grants funding programme.
The focus is on helping schools who lack funds and resources to get extra help to provide healthy food and activities that boost young people’s mental and physical wellbeing. Schools will be able to apply via Groundwork for a grant of up to £1,500.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, Lee Murphy, area manager for Tesco in Ealing said: “We are inviting applications from Ealing schools to this new grant programme as we believe tackling classroom hunger is vitally important in helping children get a stronger start in life. Children with enough food have more energy, better concentration and ultimately do better in school.”
Mr Murphy added: “Our Tesco stores in Ealing are at the heart of the community and we’re keen to play our part in improving the lives and prospects of young people. We hope this new initiative will help families and schools in Ealing and across the country who are struggling to keep children fed.”
In recent years, Tesco has been active in supporting children across Ealing. The previous Tesco Community Grants programme provided funding for the Westside Young People’s Centre in Acton. Last year it received a £1,000 donation from Tesco to further expand a disability project. This allowed young people with additional needs the opportunity to learn how to cook, better understand healthy eating and adopt a healthier lifestyle. The Westside Young People’s Centre also created a bespoke AQA accreditation to reward the students and recognise their work.
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK chief executive said: “Schools are at the heart of our communities, and we have supported thousands of projects led by teachers and parents. We know that schools are now doing everything they can to help families cope with the rising cost of living, but that school budgets are also under huge pressure. We’re really pleased that through the Tesco programme, we can now focus attention on helping schools provide extra support to those who need it most – helping families make ends meet and helping children learn and flourish.”
