Tesco stores in Lanarkshire are participating in the 12th annual Winter Food Collection, where donated items will be given to the charities Trussell and FareShare. The drive aims to support those facing hunger and hardship in the community. Both Trussell and FareShare anticipate high demand for their services during the winter season and the Food Collection plays a crucial role in providing additional donations.
Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, highlighted the importance of supporting families in need by donating to the Winter Food Collection. Tesco has increased its support to Trussell and FareShare with a donation of £500,000 each to help them meet the growing demand for their services, particularly during the holiday periods when finances are strained.
Research from Trussell reveals that a significant number of children and individuals in the UK are experiencing food poverty, emphasizing the urgency of addressing hunger issues. FareShare’s annual impact report also indicates a substantial rise in the number of people accessing their support, underlining the critical need for food donations.
To encourage donations, Tesco is offering pre-packed customer donation bags in more stores this year, making it easier for customers to contribute. These bags contain essential, long-life food items and can be purchased at checkout for donation. The donated food will be distributed to charities and food banks by FareShare and Trussell to assist vulnerable families.
The Winter Food Collection, the largest of its kind in the UK, will run from November 25 to 30 in Express stores and from November 28 to 30 in large stores. Trussell Chief Executive, Emma Revie, emphasised the vital role of food banks as a lifeline for those facing hardships and urged the public to support the initiative to end hunger.
FareShare Chief Executive, Kris Gibbon-Walsh, expressed gratitude for Tesco’s continuous support, which helps provide essential food supplies to thousands of charities and community groups. The Winter Food Collection enables FareShare to collect staple ingredients alongside fresh surplus food, contributing to meals for those in need during the winter months.
The community’s response to the Winter Food Collection is crucial as food banks continue to face high demand. The collaboration between Tesco, Trussell, and FareShare aims to make a meaningful impact by ensuring that families have access to essential food supplies during challenging times.