GENEROUS customers at Wokingham stores have contributed to 21,183 meals worth of food donated across the county as part of the Tesco Winter Food Collection.
The donations were made between November 24 and 29, at the retailer’s large and Express stores in Berkshire, with hundreds of volunteers helping at the stores in the run-up to the festive holidays.
All donations were passed to the charities FareShare and Trussell, who predict that their community of foodbanks will need to give out an emergency food parcel every 10 seconds this winter to meet the need.
This winter has seen heightened levels of demand for both charities’ services, with the Christmas holidays being a particularly difficult time for some Wokingham families due to the increased costs that occur at this time of year.
Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad said: “As ever, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Tesco customers who have shown how much they value the hard work of our partners Trussell and FareShare in their local communities.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated and made this such a special event in stores.
“Every single item donated really helps to make a huge impact in communities supported by Trussell and FareShare.”
Donations to Trussell help food banks to provide emergency food parcels to people who cannot afford the essentials, while donations to FareShare support frontline local charities in their communities.
FareShare continues to see high levels of need and says that more than a third of its partners now primarily serve families with children or services for children.
Kris Gibbon-Walsh, FareShare Chief Executive, said: “Once again, the generosity of Tesco customers at the Winter Food Collection has been humbling.
“At a time when many people are forced to choose between keeping warm and eating, demand for these local charities’ services is higher than ever. The food that we can provide thanks to the Winter Food Collection makes a real difference, helping to bring people together, strengthen communities and support those in need.
“Thank you to every single person that donated an item of food, topped up their shopping bill or generously gave their time to volunteer in store.
“Your support will help provide a meal for someone facing hardship this winter, enable them to connect with other vital services, and make a positive difference. Thank you.”
Matthew van Duyvenbode, co-chief executive of Trussell, said: “We are so grateful to Tesco for supporting our community of food banks through the coldest season by organising the annual Winter Food Collection.
“Crucially, it’s thanks to you – Tesco customers – who donate food and money so generously.
“By doing this, you’re ensuring food banks can continue to help people in your local community who are facing hunger and hardship.
“Thank you for your kindness. When we all play our part, we can end hunger for good.”
With both charities requiring ongoing support, Tesco shoppers in Wokingham can continue to donate food at permanent collection points at every Tesco store or make a donation after their online shop until the end of February.
They can also donate at fareshare.donr.com/tesco
