CHILDREN across Basingstoke will benefit from a £5m grants scheme to help give them a healthier start in life.

The scheme, supported by UK community charity Groundwork, will replace the current Tesco community grants funding programme.

It will focus on getting schools that lack funds and resources to apply for the extra financial help they might need to provide healthy food and activities that boost young people’s mental and physical wellbeing.

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This new initiative will enable Basingstoke schools to apply for support funding to get pupils the nutritious food they need throughout the school day, as well as resources to keep them physically active by using new sports and play equipment or outdoor activities.

Recent findings from Groundwork found that 78 per cent of schools are currently having to provide food for children from their own budget. Data from the Child Poverty Action Group shows that 800,000 children living in poverty are not eligible for free school meals and two million children do not have access to a healthy diet.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK CEO, said: “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.

“As a business that is at the heart of communities, we know that urgent action is needed to improve the lives and prospects of young people. We hope our initiative will help families and schools that are struggling to keep children fed.”

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Basingstoke schools will be able to apply via Groundwork for a grant of up to £1,500 that can go towards activities that focus on providing food to pupils such as fruit for breakfast clubs or snacks to enjoy throughout the day and for equipment for outdoor and indoor activities.

The programme has helped tackle homelessness, promote diversity, support communities during the Covid 19 pandemic. It has supported veterans through charities based in our garrison towns and kept kids happy and active through sport. More recently it has helped get what’s needed most to families through funding for food, mental health support, lifesaving equipment and specialist resources.