With food banks and local charities facing continued high levels of need this winter, Tesco is appealing for volunteers to help with the UK’s biggest food donation drive later this month.
The Tesco Winter Food Collection will run from Wednesday 27th to Friday 29th November in all Tesco stores – including branches in Linwood, Renfrew and the East Lane area of Paisley.
Now in its 13th year, the collection supports Tesco’s charity partners Trussell Trust and FareShare, both of which provide vital food supplies to people struggling to afford essentials. Customers are encouraged to donate long-life food items at in-store collection points to help feed individuals and families in need this winter.
Volunteers are being sought to help at collection points in-store, raising awareness and encouraging donations. Tesco says volunteers play a key role in boosting the amount of food collected each year.
Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “Every year our Winter Food Collection gets such an amazing response from customers. Volunteers in store have a real impact on the amount of donations and help encourage customers to give much-needed long-life food items tailored to every area of the UK.”
Matthew van Duyvenbode, co-chief executive of the Trussell Trust, added: “Winter is often the busiest time of year for food banks. As temperatures drop and bills rise, more people are forced to seek help. With the support of Tesco, its customers, and our incredible volunteers, food banks can stay better stocked and ready to support people facing hunger.”
Kris Gibbon Walsh, CEO at FareShare, said: “Food from FareShare reaches over 8,000 charities across the UK, helping people who might otherwise have to choose between heating and eating. The Tesco Winter Food Collection is more important than ever, and having volunteers in store makes a huge difference.”
Anyone able to give just a few hours of their time can sign up to volunteer at their local Tesco store.
You can register with FareShare at www.fareshare.org.uk/foodcollection or with Trussell at www.trussell.org.uk/support-us/tesco-food-collection.