Lidl is bringing back its Foodies programme for primary schools, following an incredible first year that saw more than 200,000 pupils learn about healthy eating.

The supermarket is launching year two of the free initiative and providing a fresh incentive for new recruits: the first 750 schools to register will get a £100 gift card to spend at Lidl.

It's a great opportunity for schools to access free lesson plans and resources that help children discover the joy of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The programme has already been downloaded by over 10 per cent of UK primary schools, showing just how popular it has become.

Educators have praised the initiative, with 60 per cent reporting that pupils are now eating more fruit and veg thanks to Lidl, according to a survey of over 500 teachers.

What's more, three-quarters of those surveyed say their students are more excited about trying new produce.

Some schools have built on Lidl's scheme, taking things even further by planting their own vegetable patches, letting children grow and sample their own food.

Teacher Heather from Medina House School said: "I just wanted to say how much our children are enjoying this project and the resources.

Lidl has announced the return of its Foodies programme for primary schools

"We have a range of vegetables now growing in our garden thanks to your seeds and mini greenhouses."

The programme's success comes after research found that 73 per cent of teachers felt unprepared to teach about diet diversity, often lacking resources, training, or time.

Lidl decided to help "close the gap" by investing more than £500,000 over two years, providing enjoyable resources that make healthy eating "engaging and accessible", the supermarket explained.

The free resources include interactive lesson plans, vouchers for fruit and vegetable tastings, and activities that make learning about food fun and accessible, all delivered through the National Schools Partnership.

'At Lidl GB, we believe that as many as possible should have a vegucation'

"We have been using the Lidl resources with our Nurture Groups, and we want to thank you for the amazing resources. The children and staff are loving it," said teacher Roslyn from Marish Academy Trust.

The programme runs across three modules throughout the school year, bringing fresh produce directly into classrooms.

Children learn where their food comes from and how it's grown, making the connection between farm and fork.

Through hands-on activities and tastings, pupils get to explore new ingredients and learn simple, healthy recipes they can try at home.

Head of Sustainability at Lidl GB, Matt Juden-Bloomfield, said: "At Lidl GB, we believe that as many as possible should have a 'vegucation'. That's what Lidl Foodies is all about – showing pupils that fruit and veg can be fun, flavourful, and full of goodness.

"In just one year, over 200,000 children have tasted new ingredients, discovered where their food comes from, and some have even started growing their own greens. Teachers tell us it's opening up kids' vocabulary around food and growing their confidence.

"Healthy habits don't happen overnight, but by planting the right seeds early, together we can nurture a generation that feels at home with healthy food. That's why we've invested over £500,000 in Lidl Foodies – and we're encouraging even more teachers to join us to 'vegucate' the nation."

This comes as Tesco expands its free fruit and veg scheme to support thousands of Britons.

The major supermarket will partner with 500 schools this academic year to provide apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, and strawberries to young children who "might not ordinarily get this nutritious boost".

Tesco will prioritise schools where more than half of the pupils receive free school meals, as data shows that families on lower incomes struggle to afford a healthy diet.