Tesco stores in Milton Keynes launch food collection scheme for those in need

In large Tesco stores in Milton Keynes from July 15 to 17 a food collection point will be set up.

The scheme will operate in Express stores in the region from July 12 to August 28.

Customers can donate food on these dates to all stores across Buckinghamshire to help support children and families this summer.

The long-life food donated will go to The Trussell Trust and FareShare, two charities that specialise in providing food to people in crisis.

As in previous years, the supermarket chain is pledging to top up all customer donations with a 20% cash donation to the two charities.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK & Northern Ireland CEO, said: “The Trussell Trust and FareShare face extra demands during the summer, when children who would normally enjoy a

healthy meal in school may miss out. That is why we have decided to hold this extra collection to help ensure that children across the UK can enjoy a happier and healthier summer without missing out on meals.”

In previous years Tesco's food collection scheme would be an initiative run at Christmas. Now, due to the additional financial challenges the pandemic has thrown up for many families an extra collection project has been implemented.

Lindsay Boswell, chief executive at FareShare, said: “At FareShare, the demand for food from the communities we serve remains very high and, with the combination of the

pandemic and many families struggling to afford to eat during the school holidays when free school meals are not available, we anticipate this will continue to be the case for

many months.

"We are incredibly grateful to Tesco for running this additional summer food collection, which will ensure that we can continue supporting the thousands of charities feeding the most vulnerable children and families across the UK.”

Suitable long-life food to send to these organisation includes: canned fish and meat, jarred sauces, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, pasta and noodles.

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, added: “No-one should face the indignity of needing emergency food. Yet in the last year, food banks in our network

provided record numbers of emergency food parcels to people struggling to afford the essentials.

"This is not right but we know we can build a better future. Thanks to the incredible ongoing generosity of Tesco, we are thrilled that customers will be able to support food banks during the Summer Food Collection. Every donation makes such a difference and helps food banks in our network provide the best possible emergency support while we

work together towards building a hunger free future.”

The supermarket chain is promising more specific updates nearer to July 15.