Schools
Walsall pupil’s award-winning healthy recipe to reach 1,500 schools across the UK
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A talented young pupil from Walsall is celebrating national success after winning Tesco’s Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge, with her healthy recipe now being rolled out to more than 1,500 school canteens across the UK.
Khalessi, a pupil at Pinfold Street Primary School, impressed judges with her imaginative creation, “Swamp Monster Crunch Eyeball Jelly”, a fun and nutritious snack made using kiwi, blueberries and cucumber. Her winning recipe was selected from entries submitted by children across the country and will now appear on school menus nationwide through Tesco’s partnership with Chartwells.
Khalessi and her classmates had a surprise visit from farmer, television presenter and competition judge JB Gill, who presented the prize to her. Khalessi also had the opportunity to recreate the recipe.
“ This is a fantastic achievement for Khalessi, her family and everyone at Pinfold Street Primary School. To have a recipe created by a Walsall pupil enjoyed by children across the country is something we can be proud of.
Khalessi’s success shows that healthy eating can be fun, creative and engaging for young people. Encouraging children to develop healthy habits from an early age is an important part of helping them thrive, and initiatives like this play a valuable role in that. “
Pinfold Street Primary School has been celebrating Khalessi’s success, with her achievement generating pride and excitement among pupils, staff and the wider school community.
“ We couldn’t be prouder of our pupils for earning this fantastic recognition from Tesco and JB. To not only take part in the competition but for one of our own to be named the winner is an incredible achievement and one that our children, staff and wider school community are immensely proud of. When we heard what was planned, the whole school was buzzing - and it’s fair to say the staff were just as excited as the children, with plenty of JLS fans among us! Having JB visit was the perfect fit, as his passion for sustainability reflects so much of what we value at Pinfold Street, including caring for our own school farm.
Tesco’s Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has been a gamechanger for our children over the last two years, giving them access to fresh produce every week, broadening their experience of seasonal fruit and vegetables, and encouraging lifelong healthy habits. At a time when many families are facing rising food costs, the programme has also helped make healthy choices more affordable and accessible. “
Khalessi’s achievement reflects the spirit of Feeding Walsall’s Future: The Food Plan (2025-2030), which supports people, including children and families, to access and enjoy healthy, nutritious food. Her award-winning recipe shows how creativity can make fruit and vegetables more appealing and help inspire healthy habits for life.
To find out more about the Tesco Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge, visit the Tesco website.
