With the upcoming winter expected to bring heightened levels of need, food banks and charities are calling on volunteers to participate in the UK’s largest food donation drive, the Tesco Food Collection. This initiative, taking place in all Tesco stores from November 30 to December 2, aims to support the Trussell Trust and FareShare in their efforts to provide essential food supplies to those in need.

Both charities anticipate their busiest winter yet, as more individuals and families seek assistance. The Trussell Trust, operating the largest food bank network in the UK, expects to distribute over 1 million emergency food parcels between December and February. Similarly, FareShare has a waiting list of over 1,500 frontline charities in need of food supplies.

During the Tesco Food Collection, customers will be encouraged to donate long-life food items to assist the charities in their work. Donations to the Trussell Trust will help provide emergency food parcels to individuals who are struggling to afford essentials, while FareShare will distribute food to its network of 8,500 local charities and community groups.

Volunteers are crucial to the success of the Tesco Food Collection, as they staff collection points and raise awareness of the impact each donation can have on people across the UK who rely on the Trussell Trust and FareShare for food. Currently, one in five Trussell Trust food parcels comes from Tesco and its customers.

Trussell Trust Chief Executive, Emma Revie, highlighted the immense challenge facing food banks this winter and emphasised the importance of volunteer support. She stated, “By volunteering at the Tesco Winter Food Collection, you will not only be helping to gather much-needed donations to keep your local food bank going, but you’ll also be making a real difference to families who cannot afford the essentials in your community.”

George Wright, Chief Executive at FareShare, expressed gratitude for Tesco’s ongoing support and emphasised the increasing need for assistance during these difficult times. He urged individuals to volunteer, stating, “By giving up just three hours of your time, you can make a huge impact by helping more people understand the importance of donating food to FareShare during this increasingly difficult time.”

Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, called on potential volunteers to sign up and help make a difference, highlighting the incredible response the Winter Food Collection receives from customers each year.

To volunteer with FareShare, individuals can sign up at https:///fareshare.org.uk/foodcollection/. Those interested in supporting the Trussell Trust can sign up at https:///www.trusselltrust.org/get-involved/tesco-food-collection/volunteer/.