Tesco is launching a summer campaign to support families and children facing food insecurity.
The scheme aims to help those who rely on free school meals during term time, many of whom are at risk of going without meals during the school holidays.
The initiative comes as charities report rising demand for food support, particularly among families with young children.
Trussell says that food bank support for children remains 34 per cent higher than before the pandemic, including a 24 per cent increase in the number of emergency food parcels for children under-51.
Tesco’s chief communications and sustainability officer, Christine Heffernan, said: “We want to be able to support our charity partners to help those needing a little extra support this summer.
“Our partnerships with Felix and Trussell are central to this aim.
“When you’re out doing your weekly shop this summer, dropping a few tins into a food collection point, picking up a food donation bag in our stores or rounding up our grocery bill, can make a difference to the lives of thousands of children in communities across the UK.”
From July 20 to August 30, Tesco stores across England and Wales will offer pre-filled food donation bags.
These bags, priced between £2 and £4, contain long-life food and household essentials and will be distributed by Felix and Trussell to families in need.
Tesco shoppers will also be able to round up their total at the till between August 3 and 9.
Matthew van Duyvenbode, co-chief executive officer at Trussell, said: “Our community of food banks distributed more than 900,000 parcels for children last year, demonstrating the unacceptable levels of hunger and hardship so many families are currently facing.
“That’s why the support of our partner Tesco is so crucial, providing in-store summer pick-up bags, making it much easier for people to support their local food bank throughout the school holidays.”
From July 20 to August 30, children will be able to pick up free apples at checkouts in more than 800 large Tesco stores and 77 large Express stores.
