Cornwall’s Tesco stores are holding a special summer food collection to support the Trussell Trust and FareShare charities as they respond to an increased demand for food in the wake of the pandemic.
From August 20-22 customers can donate essential items of long-life food to the good causes. Tesco will top up all customer donations with an additional 20% donation in cash to the two charities.
The collection has been organised in direct response to the extra pressures placed on the food banks and community groups supported by FareShare and the Trussell Trust during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FareShare has seen its highest-ever demand for food from the thousands of local charities and community groups it supports, while the Trussell Trust has seen need at food banks soar by more than 80%.
Emma Greenwood, the Trussell Trust’s south west area manager, said: “Over the last few months, we’ve been truly humbled to see how much people are willing to give and the difference this can make when someone is in crisis.
“As we look to the coming months, more people than ever are likely to need a food bank. This isn’t right. Everyone should be able to afford their own food. Every donation made during Tesco’s summer food collection will help food banks in our network provide the best possible emergency help to people referred at an uncertain time.”