Milestone reached with schools given chance to win free fruit for students

Schools across the region have the chance to receive free fruit for their students, thanks to Woolworths reaching its milestone of giving out 100 million pieces of fruit to kids.

To celebrate Woolworths’ milestone of 100 million pieces of free fruit given to kids, primary schools and early learning centres across the region can apply for the chance to receive free fruit for their students for a day.

Helping to build fresh fruit habits from an early age, the community program was the first national initiative of its kind when it began in 2015, offering apples, bananas, and when in season pears and mandarins.

Woolworths estimates more than 14,000 tonnes of free fruit have been eaten by kids since the program launched – the equivalent to filling more than six Olympic sized swimming pools

With 41% of children aged four to eight not receiving their daily recommended intake of one and a half servings of fruit, the free fruit for schools is aimed at helping get even more fruit into students’ diets.

Rachael Huggins, 7, Chloe Huggins, 4, Lucas Costa Sigmond, 6, Lily Withey, 3, and Elizabeth Weston, 6 celebrate 100 million pieces of free fruit given to kids since 2015. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Woolworths Queensland operations manager Brett O’Dea said they wanted to further encourage healthy eating habits.

“We encourage all schools and early learning centres in Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley and Darling Downs to apply for their chance to receive free fruit for each student for a day,” he said.

“Parents and kids are also encouraged to pick up a free piece of fruit the next time they visit us in store.”

Applications to receive free fruit for students are now open.

To find out more about Woolworths Free Fruit for Kids schools initiative and to apply, visit woolworths.com.au/fruitforschools.