Shoppers at Tesco in Swindon have rallied together to contribute over a thousand meals during this year’s Tesco Winter Food Collection.
The initiative, aimed at supporting FareShare and the Trussell Trust, collected 1,506 meals from the thoughtful Swindon community as part of Tesco’s drive to donate two million meals to support charities at this year’s Winter Food Collection.
The donated meals play a vital role in aiding the Trussell Trust’s mission to provide emergency food parcels to those struggling to afford essentials. Additionally, contributions to FareShare support numerous local charities on the frontline, striving to alleviate hunger in the community.
Both charities anticipate their busiest winter yet, grappling with increased demand for their services. The Trussell Trust projects the distribution of one food parcel every eight seconds over the next three months, reflecting a stark reality where 320,000 people sought food bank assistance for the first time between April and September.
FareShare, with over 1,500 frontline charities on a waiting list, is committed to providing meals for individuals facing hunger this winter. The pressing need for support underscores the significance of initiatives like the Tesco Winter Food Collection.
Tesco’s CEO, Ken Murphy, expressed gratitude for the remarkable generosity of customers, acknowledging their unwavering support despite financial challenges. From small gestures like a carton of long-life milk to substantial contributions, every donation contributes to making this Winter Food Collection one of the most successful to date.
Beyond physical food donations, Swindon customers also demonstrated their commitment by contributing over £300,000 to the charities. This support came through rounding up bills at the till and online donations via Tesco’s groceries website.
Tesco has a longstanding commitment to addressing food waste and supporting charities. Unsold food is regularly provided to FareShare, resulting in a remarkable contribution of over 39 million meals to both charities in the past year, showcasing the collective impact of Tesco and its customers.
George Wright, Chief Executive at FareShare, expressed immense gratitude for Tesco and its customers’ support over the past 11 years, highlighting that Tesco has donated more than any other food partner in FareShare’s history. He thanked everyone who contributed food, money, or time, emphasising that their generosity ensures the continued provision of vital food to those in need during Christmas.
Emma Revie, CEO of the Trussell Trust, praised the community spirit displayed by Tesco stores and communities across the UK. She commented that the ongoing support is crucial in addressing urgent levels of need during the winter months.
As both charities persist in their efforts, Swindon shoppers can continue to make a difference by donating food at permanent collection points in every Tesco store or contributing online at FareShare’s donation portal until February 2024. Their ongoing support ensures that families in need receive vital sustenance during the challenging winter season.
