The produce weighed more than 60,000kg and was distributed through the programme, which Tesco developed in partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation.
Apples were the most popular choice among participating Greater Manchester schools, accounting for around 221,000 portions. Bananas followed with around 103,000 portions, ahead of satsumas and clementines with around 88,000.
Schools in Rochdale received a share of the regional total, although a separate figure for the borough was not provided.
Tesco said almost 20 million portions had been eaten through the programme across the UK during its first two years, reaching up to 186,000 pupils.
Now in its third year, the scheme has expanded to support more than 1,000 schools.
According to the programme’s impact report, 98% of teachers surveyed said it encouraged pupils to eat a wider variety of fruit, while 94% reported improved behaviour.
More than 1,500 tonnes of produce have been provided since the programme began, with pupils trying 103 types of fruit and vegetables.
Claire de Silva, head of communities at Tesco, said, “Schools continue to tell us what a positive impact the Tesco Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme has made on their children including sharper focus, more energy and better behaviour.”
Tesco also offers Fruit & Veg Grants through its blue token voting scheme, allowing customers to vote in stores for funding for schools and children’s groups.