Thousands of families across Swindon will be able to access extra support this summer as Tesco launches a nationwide campaign to help children who may otherwise go without meals during the school holidays.
From 20 July to 30 August, customers at larger Tesco stores in and around Swindon will be able to buy pre-packed food donation bags, with all items going directly to food charities Trussell and The Felix Project for distribution to local food banks and community organisations.
The initiative comes as charities continue to report high levels of demand for emergency food support.
According to Trussell, the number of food bank parcels provided for children remains 34 per cent higher than before the pandemic, while emergency food parcels for children under five have increased by 24 per cent.
Research by The Felix Project also found that 41 per cent of charities receiving food through its redistribution network have seen demand increase over the past year, with a further 13 per cent reporting that requests for help have more than doubled as families continue to feel the effects of the cost of living.
The food donation bags, priced between £2 and £4, contain a selection of long-life food and household essentials. Shoppers simply add one to their trolley and pay for it at the checkout, with the contents donated directly to the charities.
Christine Heffernan, Tesco’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, said the retailer hoped customers would support the campaign.
“We want to be able to support our charity partners to help those needing a little extra support this summer. Our partnerships with Felix and Trussell are central to this aim.
“When you’re out doing your weekly shop this summer, dropping a few tins into a food collection point, picking up a food donation bag in our stores or rounding up our grocery bill can make a difference to the lives of children.”
Tesco is also extending several other family initiatives during the school holidays.
Children visiting larger stores between 20 July and 30 August will be able to collect a free apple from checkouts, while selected Click & Collect customers will also receive complimentary fruit for their children.
From 3 to 9 August, shoppers will be invited to round up their shopping bill to the nearest pound, with the proceeds shared between Trussell and The Felix Project. Last year, Tesco customers donated more than £299,000 through the scheme.
Matthew van Duyvenbode, co-chief executive of Trussell, said the support would make a real difference.
“No-one should need to turn to a charity for something as essential as food, and as we work towards achieving the long-term change needed, Tesco’s and the public’s support will make a real difference to families during this school holiday. We are so grateful to Tesco and to everyone who donates food this summer.”
Charlotte Hill, Chief Executive of The Felix Project, said school holidays placed additional financial pressure on many households.
“During the school holidays, families will be facing additional financial burdens as they juggle the cost of childcare and food. Many will be turning to their local community and charities for support.
“That’s why the donation bags in Tesco stores are vital. The food donated will be shared with charities and community groups that can offer not just meals, but spaces and activities for children to play and make friends during the summer holidays, relieving the pressure on parents.”
Tesco cafés are also bringing back their Kids Eat Free offer throughout the summer holidays. The scheme has been extended this year to include weekends, with children able to receive a free meal when accompanied by an adult purchasing food and presenting a Tesco Clubcard.
With schools closed for six weeks, organisers hope the combination of food donations, fundraising and family offers will help ease some of the pressure facing households across Swindon during the summer break.
