Kids offered free fruit at Woolworths supermarkets

PARENTS can stop worrying that their children will help themselves to produce at Woolies, with the supermarket opting to give it away for free.

Free fruit for kids at Woolworths stores

PARENTS can stop worrying that their children will help themselves to produce at Woolies, with the supermarket opting to hand it over for free.

The supermarket has announced it will give away fruit for free at all 961 of its national stores, the latest strategy in its heated battle for Australia’s $88 billion food and grocery market.

Woolies will place baskets of complimentary seasonal fruit in its fresh produce sections, inviting children to pick a piece, with the scheme to be rolled out nationwide from early next month.

Unlike the less-than-perfect produce sold in the “odd bunch” basket, the free fruit will be of the same quality as the regular priced produce.

Woolies expects to give away one million pieces of fruit a year, including bananas, apples, mandarins and pears, and it says the cost of priced fruit will not rise to compensate.

“It is not only a great way to encourage healthy eating habits, but also an easy way to keep the little ones occupied while doing the shopping,” said Woolworths food group managing director Brad Banducci.

“We know that a trip to the supermarket can be a busy time for mum and dad, and the free fruit initiative is just one way we’re hoping to give parents a helping hand.”

The project follows a successful trial at eight South Australian stores.

Woolworths outlets in New Zealand, which trade as Countdown, also have free fruit for kids.

Dietitian Melanie McGrice applauded the idea.

“I hope they offer some of the exotic fruits, as well as the basic ones,” she said.

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@KarenCollierHS

Originally published as Kids offered free fruit at Woolworths supermarkets