As we brace ourselves for the toughest winter yet, with over a million emergency food parcels expected to be distributed between December and February, The Hertford & District Foodbank is asking shoppers to donate to this year’s Tesco Winter Food Collection.
From Thursday 30 November to Saturday 2 December, we are encouraging customers who are able to pick up an extra item or two as part of their weekly shop to drop in special donation trollies on the way out of store.
The need for donations is greater than ever with food banks in the Trussell Trust network expected to distribute an emergency food parcel every 8 seconds this winter as many people struggle to afford essential items.
Customers being asked to donate essential items of long-life food such as Curry Sauces, UHT Milk, Tinned Fruit and Christmas Treats.
Between April and October of 2023, more than 320,000 people sought support from a food bank for the first time as soaring living costs continued to put pressure on households across the UK.
Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said: “Food banks are not the answer in the long term, but while we continue to fight for the change that could mean they can be closed for good, your local food bank urgently needs your support this winter.
“For many people, the coming months will be a particularly tough period as they struggle to cover the cost of energy bills, food and other essentials, on top of trying to find a little bit of happiness and hope over Christmas.
“Our staff and volunteers across the UK are working tirelessly to ensure that people facing hardship get support but they cannot do it alone. I know times are tough for everyone at the moment but I encourage everyone to donate if they can as the donations generated through the Tesco Winter Collection are a vital lifeline for food banks at their busiest time. Thank you for your generosity – together we can make a difference.”
The Tesco Winter Collection will take place in every Tesco store in the UK from 30 November to Saturday 2 December.
