Tesco is giving away free fruit for kids this summer

If you’ve got kids, you’ll know how much their snacks and meals add up over the long summer holidays. Tesco is stepping in to help families by giving away free fruit nationwide from 4 to 17 August 2025.

What’s the free fruit deal?

When you shop in-store at Tesco during the two-week promotion, your kids can get a free piece of fruit at the checkout. That means no minimum spend, no coupons, no codes. Just shop as usual with your children and they can pick from apples, bananas, pears, or easy peelers.

Tesco expects to hand out over 3.5 million pieces of fruit during the campaign - enough to feed a small army of hungry kids.

Struggling with food costs? Here’s where to find help this summer

If money’s tight, Tesco’s free fruit is a great start, but there are other ways to get food support this summer.

1. Food banks and community pantries

If you’re in urgent need, food banks provide free emergency food parcels. The Trussell Trust is the biggest network, with centres nationwide. You can find your nearest food bank at trusselltrust.org or contact your local council.

Community pantries are also growing in popularity. They often work on a membership or pay-as-you-can basis, giving you affordable access to food regularly. Many pantries also offer cooking advice and support.

2. Free school meals and holiday clubs

If your child gets free school meals during term time, your council or school might run holiday clubs offering free meals during summer. These are especially helpful if you work or need childcare.

Contact your school or local council for details on holiday food programmes in your area.

3. Healthy Start vouchers

If you’re pregnant or have a child under four and receive benefits like universal credit or income support, you can apply for Healthy Start vouchers. These help you buy milk, fruit, vegetables, and infant formula.

Vouchers are sent every four weeks and accepted at many shops and supermarkets. Apply online at healthystart.nhs.uk or ask your midwife.

4. Local charity support

Charities like FareShare and Magic Breakfast provide food support and breakfast clubs to make sure children get meals during school holidays.

Check with local community centres or charities for extra help, including food grants or budgeting advice.

Top tips to save on food this summer

• Plan your meals to avoid waste and stretch your food shop
• Use seasonal, cheaper ingredients
• Look out for supermarket deals and discounts
• Batch cook and freeze meals for busy days
• Use apps and websites, like Olio and Too Good to Go, that track local food offers and support

You can find more ways to keep your food bills down here.