Tesco is one of a number of supermarket chains across the UK preparing for the winter rush of shoppers while also trying to ensure that those in need are helping during the festive period.
Tesco announced it is launching its annual Food Collection drive from December 1 to 3 to assist charities Trussell Trust and FareShare. It is also looking for volunteers to contribute their time as ”unprecedented demand” rises, spurred by rising inflation and more families struggles to make ends meet.
Officials from the Trussell Trust, which oversees the nation’s largest foodbank network, noted a 46% boost in the food parcels distributed to individuals during the past few months, while FareShare noted that thousands of charities are looking for food.
“This increase in need means that the winter Tesco Food Collection will be more important than ever as food banks work tirelessly to help everyone who needs their support,” says Lindsay Boswell, chief executive at FareShare. “The cost-of-living crisis is forcing more and more people to turn to their local charities for support with food and other services, meaning the demand for FareShare food has skyrocketed.”
Tesco will be matching donations from shoppers with 20% in cash. The retailer and the organizations are seeking food items with long shelf lives. The Trussell Trust will help food banks prepare and get food parcels to people, while FareShare is will provide support for food delivery.
Because of the expected increases in items donated by shoppers, volunteers will be essential at collection points so the supermarket, the Trust and FareShare can handle the volume and ensure timely response and deliveries.
“As winter sets in, even more people will be pushed deeper into poverty and we’re expecting hundreds of thousands of people to be forced to use a food bank in the coming months,” Trussell Trust Chief Executive Emma Revie said.
