The Tesco Extra store in Swindon is running a series of initiatives as part of its Stronger Starts programme, designed to help those who rely on free school meals during term time. For many, the long summer holiday can mean added pressure, with fewer resources and a real worry about how to put balanced meals on the table.
Recent figures underline the challenge. Research from Trussell shows almost a third of families with children admitted last summer to struggling to afford proper meals. Nationally, one in four children under five are now at risk of needing food bank support.
Between 21 July and 30 August, shoppers in and around Swindon will see pre-packed food donation bags on sale in Tesco stores. Costing between £2 and £3, these bags are filled with long-life, nutritious items. Once bought at the checkout, they are passed to FareShare and Trussell to be distributed to local charities and food banks.
There’s also a chance for customers to help by rounding up their bill between 25 and 31 August. The funds raised will be shared between FareShare and Trussell. Online shoppers can also choose to make a contribution when checking out.
Last year, similar efforts raised more than £500,000 nationally and helped charities provide food for hundreds of thousands of people, including more than 143,000 children.
On top of the donation schemes, the store is once again running its Kids Eat Free offer in its cafés throughout the school holiday. For every adult purchase, a child can enjoy a free meal deal, breakfast or pick ’n’ mix meal, simply by showing a Tesco Clubcard or the app at the till.
Claire De Silva, Tesco’s Head of Communities, said that families often feel the strain in the school break. “If we all pull together over the summer, whether it’s buying a donation bag or rounding up at the till, we can help children who might otherwise have a difficult few weeks.”
Emma Revie, CEO at Trussell, added: “No-one should have to seek help just to eat. Yet, so many do. Support from partners like Tesco helps ease that burden and ensures more children have access to the food they need.”
FareShare’s CEO, Kris Gibbon-Walsh, said the food collected goes beyond filling plates. “It gives families breathing space, it supports community projects, and it creates opportunities for children to enjoy a summer without added worries.”
