After a successful pilot program in South Australia, supermarket chain Woolworths is taking the 'Free Fruit for Kids' scheme national.

The move is part of the company's commitment to help children eat two serves of fruit a day, allowing them to pick fresh fruit from specially marked stands to snack on while their parent or carer does the groceries.

The company said the stands would include a selection of fresh seasonal fruits sourced from local farmers and suppliers.

"We've been overwhelmed at the success of the Free Fruit for Kids pilot scheme in South Australia and the positive response from parents and kids," said Woolworths Food Group managing director Brad Banducci.

The scheme was also trialed at the group's Countdown stores in New Zealand.

"Free Fruit for Kids is not only a great way to encourage healthy eating habits but also an easy way to keep the little ones occupied whilst shopping," Banducci said.

"We know that a trip to the supermarket can be a busy time and the free fruit initiative is just one way we are hoping to give parents and carers a helping hand."

The announcement comes just days after supermarket chain Tesco announced it would be testing a free fruit for children program in 15 stores in Glasgow, Scotland.

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