People in Worcestershire are being asked to volunteer for the UK’s biggest food donation drive.
The Tesco Winter Food Collection, now in its 14th year, will take place from November 26 to 28 at all large Tesco stores across the UK.
Volunteers are urgently needed in stores to help collect food donations for Trussell and the UK’s food redistribution network Felix, both of which support families in need with essential long-life food and other items.
Christine Heffernan, chief communications and sustainability officer at Tesco, said: “The Winter Food Collection is a key moment in the Tesco calendar as part of our commitment to supporting families across the UK get access to food when they need it most.
“Last year, our generous customers donated almost 1.5 million meals worth of food to the collection and, by volunteering a few hours of your time, you can help us increase donations allowing Felix and Trussell to get food to even more people facing a tough winter.”
You can sign up to volunteer in your local Tesco store with Felix at felix.org/tescofoodcollection or with Trussell at www.trussell.org.uk/support-us/tesco-food-collection
Volunteers will help out at collection points in Tesco stores to raise awareness of the impact every single donation will have on people across the UK, who rely on Trussell and Felix for food.
Donations for Trussell will help its community of food banks provide emergency food parcels to people who cannot afford the essentials, while donations to Felix will support its network of more than 8,000 local charities and community groups across the UK.
Matthew van Duyvenbode, co-chief executive officer at Trussell, said: “As temperatures drop and bills start to rise, more people will be forced to seek our food banks’ help.
“But with the support of Tesco, their customers and our incredible food collection volunteers, food banks can stay better stocked ready to support people facing hunger in their local communities.
“We urgently need you to play your part by getting involved in Tesco’s Food Collection, whether that’s through spreading the word, donating essential items or volunteering your time.
“Every small action makes an incredible difference – thank you so much.”
Demand is rising sharply, with one in five Trussell food parcels now coming from Tesco and its customers.
More than half of the charities supported by Felix have reported an increase in need over the past year.
