Spar Scotland has pledged to continue its support of the Scottish Government's Healthy Living Programme with a fresh round of fruit donations to school children from a further six outlets this month.
Spar stores in Glamis, McAlpine, Ladybank, Stonehouse, Bathgate and Linlithgow will give out apples, pears, bananas and bottles of Spar Still Water on specific days between 7 and 23 February, the retailer said.
The move is in support of Scotland's Healthy Living Programme (HLP), established in 2004 by the Scottish Government to promote the sale of fruit and vegetables through convenience stores.
The aim of the programme is to help meet the dietary objectives set by Scottish Government and encourage children to eat more fruit and have a healthy lifestyle.
Commenting on Spar's latest round of fruit donations - its third such campaign - Spar Scotland chief executive Colin McClean said: “We are carrying on with our support of the Healthy Living Programme which connects local school children with healthy options available from Spar convenience stores. We continue to measure these trials with a view to extending them further throughout the year. It is important to encourage our youngest customers to embrace healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle.”
Gillian Edgar, from the Healthy Living Programme, added: “Healthy Living Programme are delighted to work with Spar Scotland in a further six stores across Scotland, giving out free fruit to school children who visit the store.
'This is the third leg of the trial and has proved very popular with consumers. Encouraging a healthier snack choice is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.
'It’s a great way for Spar Scotland stores to connect with local communities and give something back to local people. It also allows Spar to showcase the great range of fresh produce in store to younger consumers.”
The Healthy Living Programme has been working with convenience retailers since 2004 and highlights that fresh fruit and vegetables and healthier products are available in convenience stores.
The programme is fully funded by the Scottish Government and aims to connect local schools with convenience retailers. So far, they have engaged with over 13,000 school children across the country, Spar Scotland said.
