11-year-old’s artwork inspires healthy habits locally

Artwork by 11-year-old Valerija Podberiozkina from Spalding has been selected from hundreds of submissions to a recent children’s drawing competition, and is being used in 101 local shops, to promote Lincolnshire Co-op’s free fruit scheme.

The scheme allows children that are linked to an adult member’s account to pick up either a gala apple, banana, or orange for free on each day during selected school holidays.

This free fruit period began on Monday 27th July, and will run until Saturday 5th September.

Valerija’s design will sit centre-stage of the campaign, anticipated to be seen by hundreds of thousands of people.

It will be printed on all marketing materials digitally, including email images and website graphics, and instore, such as on posters and shelf markers.

Her artwork will also feature on the letters sent out to registered families, and the free fruit cards that children use to redeem their fruit at the till.

To celebrate Valerija’s achievement, she was invited into Wygate Park Food Store in Spalding, to see her design in place and receive a prize.

Valerija said: "I was so surprised and happy when I found out that I had won, and seeing my drawings in the shop is so amazing!

"I love to ride my bike or walk to the shop, and being able to pick up a piece of yummy fruit for free when you get there makes it even better."

Over 13,500 children are registered to the free fruit scheme, and during summer last year, the retailer gave out 18,395 pieces of fruit.

Members of Lincolnshire Co-op can also access offers and discounts on local attractions and collect cashback for themselves and local good causes as they shop.

Michelle Dart, Retail Media Manager at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “This is a scheme we’re really proud to offer; it means that kids have access to fresh fruit throughout the holidays, provides a fun, free and easy activity to do every day.

“We’re honoured to be able to use Valerija’s artwork to promote the scheme. We had lots of great entries, but we think she really captured the healthy habits we want to help promote; staying active and eating well!”

To benefit from the scheme, add a child who’s aged under 13 to an adult membership and opt into postal communications or provide the details as part of the sign-up process to become a new member.