Tesco stores across Swindon are rallying customers to make a vital difference this winter by participating in the 12th annual Tesco Winter Food Collection.
Running from 25th to 30th November, this initiative calls for donations of long-life food items to support Trussell Trust and FareShare, two leading charities facing surging demand as the colder months take hold.
Ken Murphy, Tesco’s Group CEO, highlighted the escalating need for assistance. “Our charity partners are seeing more families turning to them, and this trend is set to rise as winter progresses. By donating just a few items or purchasing a pre-packed donation bag, our customers can make a real difference to someone’s Christmas.”
The pre-packed donation bags, priced between £2 and £3, are filled with staple long-life goods such as UHT milk, tinned meats, and rice pudding. These bags, available at all large Tesco stores and 86 larger Express outlets, simplify the process for shoppers who want to contribute but may feel unsure of what to give.
Recent research from the Trussell Trust reveals that nearly a quarter of children under four face hunger and hardship, with a staggering 9.3 million people across the UK grappling with similar challenges. FareShare’s annual impact report echoes this troubling picture, noting an 86% increase in demand among the 8,000 charities it supports.
Emma Revie, Chief Executive of the Trussell Trust, stated: “Food banks are a last resort for those in desperate need, providing not just food but a lifeline. With so many families unable to afford even the essentials, this year’s Winter Food Collection is more important than ever.”
Winter is historically the busiest time for both charities. Last year, food banks distributed over 600,000 parcels between December and January, and this winter is projected to bring similarly high demand.
Simple Ways to Help
For Swindon residents keen to contribute, Tesco offers several convenient options:
- Purchase a pre-packed donation bag: These can be bought in-store and left in the designated collection points.
- Round up at the till: Customers can choose to round up their bill at checkout, with the additional amount going to support the charities.
- Donate staple goods: Items such as tinned vegetables, pasta sauces, or cereal are particularly in need.
The top ten most needed items for FareShare and Trussell are:
1. UHT & powered milk
2. Tinned meat and fish
3. Sponge/rice pudding
4. Long life fruit juice
5. Cooking/pasta sauces
6. Tinned vegetables
7. Tinned & dried soup
8. Pasta, rice & noodles
9. Cereal & porridge
10. Tea & coffee
Kris Gibbon-Walsh, FareShare’s Chief Executive, commented: “For over 12 years, Tesco has played a vital role in helping us support thousands of communities. Even donating a single item can provide a meal to someone in hardship this winter.”
Tesco’s partnership with FareShare and Trussell Trust has already yielded remarkable results, with over 220 million meals donated since 2012 through initiatives such as the Community Food Connection programme. The hope is that this year’s Winter Food Collection will build on this success, providing much-needed support to families during the festive season.
