This Easter, Tesco stores across Swindon are making it easier for shoppers to lend a helping hand to local families feeling the pinch over the school break.
From 7th to 20th April, customers will be able to pick up pre-packed donation bags filled with long-life, nutritious food items designed to support those most affected by the loss of free school meal provision during the holidays.
It’s part of the supermarket giant’s Easter Holiday Helps initiative, linked to its wider Stronger Starts campaign aimed at tackling food insecurity and supporting children’s health and wellbeing across the UK.
Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, explained:
“We know the school holidays can place real pressure on families already struggling to make ends meet. These donation bags offer a quick and practical way for customers to help charities like FareShare and Trussell provide meals for children who might otherwise go without.”
A Lifeline for Families Across Swindon
The Trussell Trust and FareShare – both long-standing Tesco charity partners – will be the main beneficiaries of the donation drive. In Swindon, Trussell’s food banks operate year-round and have seen demand soar, with nearly two-thirds of food parcels going to households with children.
According to Emma Revie, Chief Executive of Trussell, the rise in demand is stark:
“We distributed more than 1.1 million food parcels for children last year alone – almost double compared to five years ago. Tesco’s continued support is vital in helping us respond to the current level of need.”
Food That Makes a Difference
The donation bags contain essential items such as UHT and powdered milk, tinned meat and vegetables, pasta, rice, and breakfast staples like cereal and porridge. All are selected based on feedback from FareShare and Trussell to ensure donations meet real community needs.
FareShare’s most recent impact report found that three-quarters of its partner charities support families with children, and two in three parents said access to donated food improved their children’s concentration at school.
Kris Gibbon-Walsh, FareShare’s Chief Executive, noted:
“We know the school holidays are particularly tough for thousands of families. Every item donated helps reduce pressure on our partner charities and allows us to continue strengthening communities through food.”
Beyond the Holidays
Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme also runs throughout the school year. It includes the Fruit and Veg for Schools scheme, which provides grants to schools with high rates of free school meals, helping pupils access healthier snacks and lunch ingredients.
Additionally, Tesco customers can now donate Clubcard vouchers online to support FareShare and Trussell, making giving back even more accessible.
Community at the Core
As more families face financial pressure due to the rising cost of living, initiatives like this are a timely reminder of how small gestures can have a real impact. For Swindon residents, helping those in need might be as simple as picking up an extra bag at the till.
Donation bags will be available at large Tesco stores in Swindon from 7th to 20th April.
