PUPILS in Senghenydd have been getting creative with a mountain of donated pumpkins ahead of Halloween.
Nant-y-Parc Primary School recently received 200 pumpkins through Tesco’s Fruit and Veg for Schools scheme, a £4million initiative aimed at providing fresh produce to young people nationwide.
The scheme was originally developed in partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation and Groundwork UK to not only promote healthy eating but also support schools in making nutrition fun and educational for students.
After the school approached the store on Crossways Retail Park, the Caerphilly Tesco team extended the scheme to provide the pumpkins for some Halloween cheer.
With the donation of pumpkins to the school, the pupils have been able to carve them out into spooky creative jack-o’-lanterns and then later make soup with them.
Nicola Davies, Headteacher at Nant-y-Parc Primary School, said: “Our heartfelt thanks go to the Caerphilly Tesco team for their wonderful donation of pumpkins as part of the Fruit and Veg for Schools scheme.
“The children’s faces absolutely lit up when they saw the pumpkins being delivered –it was such a joyful surprise. They’ve had so much fun with them, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support in making healthy eating a hands-on, enjoyable experience for our students.”
Tesco’s Fruit and Veg for Schools scheme will provide funding for pupils in 30 schools across South Wales – three of them being in Caerphilly and Bedwas – to receive at least one piece of fruit or veg a day, giving their diets a healthy and nutritious boost.
The funding will support pupils in schools where there is a higher-than-average free school meal ratio.
Henry Gosling, Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to make this pumpkin donation happen for Nant-y-Parc Primary School.
“Although pumpkins weren’t part of the original Fruit and Veg for Schools scheme, when the school reached out, we just couldn’t say no.
“We saw a wonderful opportunity to bring a bit of seasonal excitement to the pupils, while also encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle.
“It’s been a joy to support their learning in such a fun, hands-on way. The school has been here for many years, and it is an honour to be able to support such a pillar in the community.”
To find out more, visit the Tesco Stronger Starts website.
