Tesco is providing extra support to children and their families facing hunger during the school holidays in Lanarkshire and across the UK, responding to the crucial need for kids who normally receive free school meals during term time.
Demand for Food Support Remains High
Trussell reports that foodbank support for children remains 34 per cent higher than before the pandemic, including a 24 per cent increase in emergency food parcels for children under five. A survey by Felix, the merged charity of FareShare and The Felix Project, found that 41 per cent of local charities receiving food via its nationwide network have experienced increased demand in the last 12 months. For 13 per cent, demand more than doubled due to cost of living pressures.
Pre-Filled Donation Bags Available Until August 16
Until August 16, Tesco will sell pre-filled food donation bags in all large stores. The bags, costing between £2 and £4, contain healthy, nutritious long-life food and essentials. Donated items go directly to Felix and Trussell, who distribute them to charities and foodbanks across the UK.
Additional Summer Support Initiatives
From August 3-9, Lanarkshire Tesco customers can round up their bill at the checkout to the nearest pound, with funds split between Felix and Trussell. Online customers can donate via a link on Tesco's grocery home shopping website. Tesco is also running its Kids Eat Free scheme in 317 cafés across the UK, expanded to include weekends and all regions. Children get a free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast, or Kids Pick ‘n’ Mix deal with each adult item bought from as little as 60p, when showing a Tesco Clubcard. Additionally, from July 20 to August 30, children can pick up free apples at checkouts in over 800 large Tesco stores and 77 large Express stores, including for Click & Collect customers.
Tesco's Ongoing Commitment
Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme supports over 500 schools during term time, aiming to help one million children access free fruit and vegetables by July 2029.
Quotes from Partners
Christine Heffernan, chief communications and sustainability officer 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 foodbanks 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, said: "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."
