The foundations for lifelong healthy living are laid at school, says a passionate headteacher.

And learning positive relationships with food is crucial in an age where children are tempted at every turn and obesity is a clear and present danger.

It may seem like an uphill battle, but at Rimrose Hope Church of England Primary School in Liverpool, the results are encouraging.

Lawrence Crilly said: “We prefer to nudge children in the right direction by giving them the opportunity to try the things they like while emphasizing that one choice is better for them than another. Children are more likely to carry these habits into adulthood, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life. »

The children at the school, which has 349 pupils aged 2 to 11, are among 140,000 primary and secondary pupils across Britain who eat at least one fresh fruit or vegetable a day thanks to the Tesco initiative Fruit & Veg for Schools.

The retail giant’s £4 million program has identified 400 schools in some of the most deprived areas in a bid to give children access to fresh, nutritious produce. It was launched last month by celebrity chef Poppy O’Toole in partnership with the Daily Express.

Funding allocated to each school is proportional to the number of pupils it has, ranging from £4,000 to £21,000 per year.

Everyone receives a prepaid card allowing them to visit their nearest Tesco store whenever they want to stock up on mountains of fruit and vegetables to prepare both in and outside the classroom.

Rimrose Hope, rated outstanding, has 173 pupils – or 55.8% of its intake – eligible for free school meals.

Mr Crilly said: “I have certainly seen the impact that poor nutrition can have on children’s performance and attention in the classroom. When students don’t eat well, whether it’s skipping meals or not getting the right balance of nutrients, it shows in their behavior and ability to concentrate.

“For example, children who come to school without eating breakfast often have difficulty staying alert, especially during morning classes. They may seem lethargic or easily distracted, and their ability to concentrate for long periods diminishes. I have noticed that these students are also more likely to complain of headaches or stomach aches, which can disrupt their learning. Their education may be affected simply by the disruption caused by the need to go get something to eat and the time it takes them to eat it.

“Not eating well can also affect their mood. Some students may become irritable or agitated, making it more difficult for them to participate in group activities or follow instructions. Over time, I have seen how this can lead to gaps in their understanding of the material because they are not fully engaged.

“A good diet fuels the brain, and when students lack this fuel, it clearly shows in their academic and social performance. When I talked to parents and staff about it, and we worked together to make sure the kids were eating better, and often their attention and performance in class improved noticeably.

Rimrose Hope, established in September 2008, is on a mission to teach students the importance of eating fruits and vegetables rather than sugary treats in hopes of setting them up for a healthy future.

It offers toddlers and infants the option of a healthy snack and has seen huge improvements in concentration, memory and academic performance.

The school has an orchard, so children can learn to grow fruit, and its own kitchen. It offers fruit and vegetables and salad at every meal as an additional option, with teachers noticing how children will choose healthy options if they are available.

He runs the Good Grub, an after-school club, which teaches children how to cook and prepare healthy food at home, and introduces healthy eating through activities such as cooking classes where children gain hands-on experience preparing simple and nutritious meals or smoothies.

Yet despite the daily struggles, there is hope, and the Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools initiative could prove decisive.

Mr Crilly said: “Sadly, too many of our children suffer from problems associated with childhood obesity before they reach Year 6, and we believe the causes need to be addressed very early in a child’s school life. We would like the opportunity to combat the risk elements of a high sugar diet by providing real alternatives to students, so that they are more likely to choose the healthy option over the less healthy option.

“A number of our children come to school eating bars and candy bars that are very high in sugar. These snacks often lead to loss of energy, making it more difficult for children to concentrate in class.

“Children will be flexible and experimental if given the choice, so we try to develop good habits that will last a lifetime.

“We believe that the more children understand why and how fruits and vegetables help them stay healthy now and in the future compared to the low nutritional value of sugary snacks, the more likely they are to make positive choices. The goal is to create lasting habits for healthy living.

“I’m really excited about the project. I have long believed that families will make better choices if the choices are available to them, and this project will provide an opportunity to test the theory.

“My kids love choosing fruits and vegetables at lunchtime and will definitely eat them at recess. I hope to see over time how very young children in school can develop the habit of healthy eating. This program could allow us to share fruits and vegetables with our families facing difficulties. Perhaps this will allow us to be versatile in our after-school clubs and within the school curriculum and we may be able to reduce the terrible obesity statistics that have remained stubbornly high for as long as we have been open as a school in this area.