Tesco has revealed its customers donated more than 2.8 million meals to people in need during the latest round of its Neighbourhood Food Collection, from 1 to 3 December.
The food will now be redistributed through food bank charity The Trussell Trust and food redistribution charity FareShare.
During the collection, Tesco customers were asked to donate non-perishable food items such as long-life milk, tinned vegetables, tinned meat and Christmas treats.
Tesco said it would add an extra 20% to all customer donations in the form of financial support to the two charities.
In total it brings the number of meals collected by Tesco customers to 41 million since the programme began in 2012.
“Once again we’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible generosity our customers have shown in their local communities for the Neighbourhood Food Collection,” said Tesco UK CEO Matt Davies.
Trussell Trust chief executive David McAuley explained: “The staggering generosity of Tesco customers, store colleagues and volunteers, means food banks UK-wide will be able to provide vital food and support to people who are struggling during what could be our busiest December yet. Thank you for your support - your generosity will help stop hunger this Christmas.”
Lindsay Boswell, CEO of FareShare, added: “There has been a 26% increase in the number of charities signing up to FareShare in the last year, so without the Neighbourhood Food Collection we simply couldn’t meet the growing demand. Every single item of food donated will make a difference, so thank you to everyone involved.”
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