New Tesco scheme gives Harrogate shoppers chance to support families during school holidays

The supermarket is working with food charities Trussell and Felix to provide extra help for communities across the country as children who usually receive free school meals face the risk of going without regular meals during the summer break.

From this month, Tesco stores will be selling pre-filled food donation bags containing essential long-life items which customers can buy and donate at the checkout.

The bags, costing between £2 and £4, will then be distributed by Felix and Trussell to food banks and community organisations supporting families in need.

The scheme comes as charities warn that demand for food support remains high.

Trussell says the number of children needing help from food banks is still 34 per cent higher than before the Coronavirus pandemic, including a 24 per cent rise in emergency food parcels provided for children under five.

Meanwhile, research from Felix – the new name for the merged FareShare and The Felix Project charities – found that more than four in 10 local charities receiving food through its network have seen demand increase over the past year.

Last summer, food banks in the Trussell community supported around 354,000 people with emergency food, including 124,000 children.

Tesco’s summer donation bags will be available in large stores across England and Wales from July 20 until August 30, allowing customers to add an extra donation while completing their weekly shop.

Shoppers will also have the opportunity to support the campaign by rounding up their bill at the checkout between Monday 3 and Sunday 9 August, with money raised split between Felix and Trussell.

Online customers will also be able to make a donation when shopping through Tesco’s grocery website.

Last year, Tesco customers donated more than £299,000 through the round-up scheme.

Families visiting Tesco cafes will also be able to benefit from the supermarket’s Kids Eat Free offer during the school holidays.

Across its 317 UK cafes, children can receive one free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast or Kids Pick ‘n’ Mix deal with each adult meal purchased from 60p when using a Tesco Clubcard or Clubcard app.

Free fruit for children will also return this summer, with youngsters able to pick up a free apple at checkouts in more than 800 large Tesco stores and 77 large Express stores between July 20 and August 30.

Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “We want to be able to support our charity partners to help those needing a little extra support this summer.

"Our partnerships with Felix and Trussell are central to this aim.

“When you’re out doing your weekly shop this summer, dropping a few tins into a food collection point, picking up a food donation bag in our stores or rounding up our grocery bill, can make a difference to the lives of thousands of children in communities across the UK.”

Matthew van Duyvenbode, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Trussell, added: “Our community of food banks distributed more than 900,000 parcels for children last year, demonstrating the unacceptable levels of hunger and hardship so many families are currently facing – this isn’t right.

"That’s why the support of our partner Tesco is so crucial, providing in-store summer pick-up bags, making it much easier for people to support their local food bank throughout the school holidays.

“No-one should need to turn to a charity for something as essential as food, and as we work towards achieving the long-term change needed, Tesco’s and the public’s support will make a real difference to families across the UK during this school holiday.

"We are so grateful to Tesco and to everyone who donates food this summer.”

Charlotte Hill, CEO at Felix, added: “We know from speaking to charities receiving food via our network that demand for food support is growing as people across the UK face cost-of-living pressures.

"During the school holidays, families will be facing additional financial burdens as they juggle the cost of childcare and food.

"Many will be turning to their local community and charities for support.

“That’s why the donation bags in Tesco stores are vital.

"The food donated will be shared with charities and community groups that can offer not just meals, but spaces and activities for children to play and make friends during the summer holidays, relieving the pressure on parents.

“Any Tesco shoppers that can donate an item or two to Felix will be making a valuable contribution to helping to support children and their families across the UK this summer.

"Together we can make a real difference, thank you Tesco.”