Tesco is making an urgent appeal for community volunteers to help achieve an ambitious 20-tonne target during their upcoming nationwide food collection event. This critical initiative aims to stock the shelves of food banks and charitable organisations that are facing unprecedented demand.
Fighting Food Poverty Together
With food banks across the country experiencing record levels of need, Tesco's collection drive comes at a crucial moment. The supermarket giant is partnering with leading food redistribution charities FareShare and The Trussell Trust to ensure donations reach those most in need within local communities.
How You Can Make a Difference
Volunteers play a vital role in the success of these collections. Here's what helpers will be doing:
- Engaging with customers as they enter stores
- Handing out shopping lists of most-needed items
- Collecting and sorting donated goods
- Helping to pack donations for distribution
- Raising awareness about food poverty issues
Most Needed Items
The charities have identified key essentials that are in constant demand:
- Long-life milk and UHT products
- Tinned meats and fish
- Pasta sauces and tinned tomatoes
- Cereals and porridge oats
- Tinned vegetables and fruit
- Tea bags and instant coffee
Building on Previous Success
Previous Tesco food collections have demonstrated the incredible generosity of shoppers when given the opportunity to help. The 20-tonne target represents a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the growing need within communities.
"Every single tin, packet and volunteer hour makes a genuine difference to families facing food crisis," said a Tesco spokesperson. "We've seen how our customers respond when they understand the need, and with volunteer support we're confident we can reach this ambitious target."
Join the Effort
The collection represents one of the largest coordinated food drives in the country. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate, with shifts available to suit different availability. No previous experience is necessary, and full training will be provided on the day.
Local charities receiving the donations have emphasised how crucial this support is during the current cost of living crisis, when many families are making difficult choices between heating and eating.
