Consumers are being urged to donate items to the UK’s largest food collection to support people in crisis amid the Covid-19 pandemic this Christmas.
The unprecedented demand for supplies this year means The Trussell Trust and FareShare charities need extra support from shoppers via The Tesco Food Collection.
The Tesco Food Collection runs every year in Tesco Express stores and in large stores until November 21, for shoppers to donate long-life food to support the charities.
More than three million meals-worth of food was donated last year and this year Tesco will once again be topping up the value of donations with an additional 20 percent in cash.
Claire De Silva, head of community at Tesco, said: “Every year Tesco customers are incredibly generous. But this year is not a normal year, and the two charities we work with need to provide more food than ever this Christmas.
“A single tin of tuna or vegetables may not seem like much to give, but if enough people make a small donation then together those donations can make a really big difference to people who need our help this winter.
“Tesco will top up the value of every tin, packet or carton given with an extra 20 per cent in cash, helping food banks across the UK to keep the lights on this Christmas and FareShare vans to deliver food to people who really need it.”
The Trussell Trust’s network of food banks is expected to give out six emergency food parcels to people in crisis every minute this winter.
Emma Revie, chief executive of the charity, said: “The pandemic has shown the power of what happens when we stand together in the face of adversity and how much people are willing to give in order to support their local community.
“To have the ongoing support of Tesco and their customers is crucial. Items donated during this year’s Food Collection will allow food banks in our network to provide the best possible help to people in the run up to Christmas. Every donation will make such a difference in communities across the UK so please do consider donating in store.”
Food donated to FareShare will assist some of the 11,000 charities and community groups who use it to provide meals for vulnerable groups such as isolated older people and those in homeless shelters.
Lindsay Boswell, FareShare CEO, said: “The Tesco Food Collection is absolutely vital this year. The effects of the pandemic are being felt far and wide, with more people than ever turning to their local charities and community groups for help because they’re unable to feed themselves and their families.
“Demand for food from FareShare has more than doubled over the last few months, so if you are able to donate just one item it will go such a long way in helping us support the thousands of people in need across the UK.
