Shoppers across Wiltshire have been praised for their generosity after donating the equivalent of 16,582 meals during the Tesco Winter Food Collection in the run-up to Christmas.
The collection, which ran from 24 to 29 November, saw customers at Tesco Extra, Superstore and Express branches across the county adding much-needed food items to their shopping, with the help of hundreds of local volunteers.
All donations have been distributed to FareShare and Trussell, charities working with food banks and community groups across the UK. Both organisations have warned that demand this winter is among the highest they have ever seen, with emergency food parcels expected to be needed at a rate of one every ten seconds nationally.
Tesco UK chief executive Ashwin Prasad said the response from shoppers had once again demonstrated the strength of community spirit.
“As ever, we’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of Tesco customers and the value they place on the work of FareShare and Trussell in their local areas,” he said.
“I’d like to thank everyone who donated or volunteered in store. Every item really does make a difference.”
FareShare says more than a third of the organisations it now supports are focused primarily on families with children, reflecting the growing pressures many households face.
Chief executive Kris Gibbon-Walsh said the donations were vital at a time when many people are struggling to cover basic living costs.
“The generosity shown during the Winter Food Collection has been humbling,” she said.
“The food provided through this campaign helps bring people together, supports families through difficult moments and strengthens local communities.”
Trussell, which supports a nationwide network of food banks, has also reported a sharp rise in demand during the winter months, with school holidays adding further pressure for families.
Co-chief executive Matthew van Duyvenbode thanked shoppers for helping ensure support remains available.
“By donating food or money, customers are helping food banks continue to support people facing hunger in their own communities,” he said.
“Your kindness really matters.”
With demand expected to remain high into the New Year, Wiltshire shoppers can continue to support both charities through permanent food collection points in Tesco stores, by donating after completing an online shop, or via FareShare’s dedicated donation page. Contributions can be made until the end of February.
