Sunnyside Spencer Academy, located on Great Hoggett Drive in Chilwell, has strengthened its ties with the local community thanks to support from Tesco Toton and Beeston, helping pupils develop vital life skills and access nutritious food.
Last year, the academy approached Claire, Community Champion at Tesco Toton, to ask whether the supermarket could support the school in any way. After discussions with staff about the school’s needs, a new initiative was launched: a Slow Cooker Club designed to teach children independence, basic cooking skills and an understanding of healthy meals.
As part of the project, pupils prepare meals together on Thursday afternoons after school. The meals are then in slow cookers on Friday and, by the end of the school day, are ready for the children to take home and share with their families.
In addition to supporting the club, Claire has also visited the school to speak to pupils about where food comes from and how it arrives on Tesco shelves, helping children better understand food supply chains and the journey from farm to store.
Further funding for the Slow Cooker Club came through Tesco Toton’s Community Bookshelf initiative. Customers and colleagues donate books and make small monetary contributions when taking one home, with the funds going towards local schools, charities and organisations. £50 raised through the bookshelf was donated to the academy, helping to fund the club’s first large food shop.
The academy was also nominated for a Tesco Stronger Starts Grant and was awarded £500 after being voted for by Tesco customers. Claire from Tesco Toton and Natasha from Tesco Beeston visited the school last year to present the cheque.
Schools, charities and not-for-profit organisations can apply for Tesco Stronger Starts Grants, particularly if they run projects that promote healthy food or activities for children up to the age of 16.
Every three months, three local projects are shortlisted. Tesco customers vote for their
favourite project in-store using
blue Community Tokens. The winning project receives £1,500, second place £1,000 and third place £500.
For more information, please email Claire at: [email protected]