Luton pupils set for another sweet harvest thanks to Tesco recycled planters

Pupils at Hillborough Junior School in Luton are preparing for another bumper harvest after receiving recycled fruit and vegetable planters donated by Tesco.

The planters, made from recycled household soft plastics such as crisp packets, bread bags and food packaging collected by customers at Tesco stores, have been provided through Tesco's We Fruit & Veg for Schools initiative.

Hillborough Junior School was one of around 400 schools across the UK that have received the recycled planters, which are helping pupils grow their own fruit and vegetables while learning about healthy eating, gardening and sustainability.

To help schools get started, Tesco and its horticultural supplier, Westland, have also provided compost together with strawberry, cucumber and tomato seeds, giving pupils everything they need to begin growing fresh produce.

The donation follows Tesco's announcement that its Fruit & Veg for Schools programme will expand from September 2026, doubling the number of schools taking part.

The new planters will help the school to  give the opportunity to experience growing their own food.

Suzie Bradshaw, Assistant Headteacher at Hillborough Junior School said: “Thanks to Tesco for donating these fruit and vegetable planters to Hillborough Junior School. They have supported our ongoing commitment to sustainability and healthy eating, and this year we've enjoyed a particularly successful strawberry harvest.

“Our gardening club pupils have been caring for the planters every day with the support of our wonderful green-fingered teaching assistant, Mrs Scales. Watching something grow from a tiny seed or runner into fresh produce has truly captivated the children, helping to spark a love of nature and gardening that we hope will stay with them for years to come.”

Tesco's Fruit & Veg for Schools programme supports schools with higher-than-average levels of free school meal eligibility, providing around 16 million pieces of fruit and vegetables over the course of a school year – equivalent to an average of 110 portions per child.

Since the programme launched, participating schools have enjoyed almost 590,000kg of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: "Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools is making a real difference by helping young people in some of the UK's most disadvantaged communities access the essential vitamins and minerals they need to thrive.

"These new planters will help schools build on that support by encouraging pupils to try healthy foods, learn where their food comes from and develop positive habits that can last a lifetime.

“They will also help children understand the importance of collecting and recycling the plastic packaging used in their homes."

The planters have been designed and manufactured by Plastecowood using household soft plastics collected at recycling points in Tesco stores across the UK, supporting the retailer's wider commitment to recycling and strengthening local communities.