At Tesco, we are proud to be one of Ireland’s largest grocery retailers, having operated in the market for over 25 years.

With 183 stores nationwide, Tesco is responsible for over 45,000 jobs directly and indirectly nationwide, including almost 13,500 colleagues in towns across Ireland.

This scale enables Tesco to deliver meaningful impact through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability programmes.

STRONGER STARTS FOOD EXPANDS IMPACT

This year, Tesco Stronger Starts Food expanded to a further 80 schools, now supporting 290 DEIS primary schools across Ireland, delivering fresh fruit and vegetable packs weekly.

During school holidays, through Stronger Starts Food Collections, we provide food supports to help combat holiday hunger, ensuring that children who rely on school meals continue to receive nutritious food.

A new partnership with An Post streamlines distribution of the packs, cutting logistical barriers and significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with the programme.

We launched the first Stronger Starts Food Impact Report, looking at the number of children supported by the programme, the volume of food distributed, and the effect on schools and families.

The report highlighted the positive impact of the programme on the amount of healthy food prepared at home.

Nearly four in five parents (78%) saw improvements in their children’s diet and physical health, with 73% reporting better school attendance.

INTRODUCING STRONGER STARTS COOKS

In May, we announced our latest initiative to help support children’s health in the communities we serve.

Tesco Stronger Starts Cooks is a free educational primary school programme designed to inspire a lifetime of culinary adventures by providing hands-on cooking workshops, learning resources covering topics including food science, food safety, healthy eating, and a fun shopping experience at a Tesco store, where the children learn about budgeting, food origins, and more. 

To coincide with the launch, and to gain further insight into the cooking habits and nutrition awareness of the nation’s children, we commissioned a survey of parents.

The results revealed the majority of parents (92%) would welcome more food education in the primary school curriculum to give children a stronger start in life.

The six-week programme will be delivered to almost 3,000 primary school pupils across 42 primary schools this year, giving them hands-on experience with food and nutrition.

SUSTAINABILITY

In a major move for sustainable agriculture, we transitioned our entire own brand egg range to 100% Irish-sourced Barn Free Range and Organic eggs.

This shift supports local producers and aligns with growing consumer demand for higher animal welfare standards and traceability.

This year, the team’s collective efforts were recognised at the 2025 Green Awards, where Tesco Ireland was awarded Green Retailer of the Year 2025.

This recognition was a testament to the Tesco Ireland team and their commitment to sustainability and our brand purpose.

COMMUNITY GIVING AND NATIONAL IMPACT

We continued to support national and local causes, including a significant contribution to the Late Late Show Toy Show Appeal, helping to fund children’s charities across the country.

Through our initiatives and partnerships, Tesco continues to look at ways to better support children’s health, and through the Community Fund by helping community groups and other organisations with funding.

Tesco Ireland remains dedicated to supporting children’s health while serving our customers, communities and planet a little better every day.

Every little helps.

Photo: Tesco Communications Director, Rosemary Garth, pictured alongside Managing Director of Mail and Parcels at An Post, Garrett Bridgeman