Stronger Starts has announced that applications are now open for its April–June 2026 funding round, offering grants of up to £1,500 for community projects that support children and young people.

For this funding round, Stronger Starts is placing a particular emphasis on projects that address food insecurity or improve access to free, nutritious food for children and young people. This focus follows the success of the Stronger Starts Fruit and Veg for Schools initiative, which supported an estimated 190,000 children and young people throughout 2025.

Priority will be given to projects that:

  • Reduce food insecurity among children and young people in local communities
  • Provide free access to healthy meals or nutritious food

Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:

  • Fruit and vegetable growing projects in allotments or planters
  • Breakfast clubs or after-school clubs
  • Sports, youth or holiday clubs providing healthy snacks or meals
  • Initiatives addressing holiday hunger outside of school term time
  • Healthy eating projects that help families cook nutritious meals on a budget
  • Cooking clubs
  • Foodbanks supporting families in need

While food-focused projects are a key priority for this round, non-food projects are still welcome to apply, as long as they support children and young people’s mental, physical, social or educational wellbeing.

Organisations seeking guidance are encouraged to book a one-to-one session with the Tesco Enabler, who can provide advice and support throughout the application process.

Contact details:
[email protected]
01978 757 524

For further information or to apply, visit:
www.tescostrongerstarts.org.uk