Charities urge Tesco shoppers to help end food poverty in the north and north-east

Shoppers in the north and north-east are being encouraged to give the gift of their time to support the UK’s largest food donation drive.

Foodbanks and charities across the country are facing a tough winter as they battle to support people in need.

Tesco is now aiming to provide relief for those facing hardship through the launch of their national Food Collection.

The campaign, which will be rolled out in all UK stores, will run from December 1 to December 3.

Charities are encouraging shoppers to dedicate their time to the campaign.

Officials from both the Trussell Trust and FareShare have backed the campaign and are urging volunteers to sign-up and man collection points at their local store.

Rising demand for support

Emma Revie, chief executive officer of the Trussell Trust said: “We are expecting that even more people will be forced to use a foodbank this winter and the Tesco Food Collection is vital in ensuring we can support everyone who comes through our doors.

“Supporting the Tesco Food Collection this December by volunteering could make all the difference to your local food bank during this busy period. You could donate a couple of hours of time and volunteer during the collection or, alternatively, you could donate food to your local Tesco donation point.”

The campaign comes as both charities face an unprecedented demand for food.

The Trussell Trust, which has the largest foodbank network in the UK, has seen a 46% increase in the number of food parcels given out in recent months.

Meanwhile, FareShare has a growing list of thousands more frontline charities seeking food.

Fiona Rae, development manager at FareShare Grampian, Highlands & Islands, said having an army of volunteers will make a huge difference.

She added: “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.

“The Tesco Food Collection is a vital event for FareShare, helping to bring in much needed long-life food that will help us continue our support of the people most in need this winter.”

The Big Food Appeal

You can also help feed more people by backing The Big Food Appeal.

The Press and Journal and Evening Express are working to raise awareness of food poverty and signpost people to the help that is out there – while also debunking the myths about who can access it.

We also want to celebrate those working tirelessly to help others.