Christmas is supposed to be a season for joy and celebration – but for millions of families it is one of the toughest times of the year as they struggle to put food on the table and heat their homes.
That’s why Penryn and Falmouth Foodbank is asking shoppers in Falmouth to spread some festive kindness and support local people in crisis this Christmas by donating to Tesco’s annual winter food collection.
From Monday 15th to Saturday 20 November, Tesco customers at Falmouth Tesco Metro will be greeted on their way into store and encouraged to pick up food items as they shop to drop in special donation trollies on the way out of store.
The food donations will be used to support people across the local area who are struggling to put food on the table this Christmas and could be forced to use a food bank over the festive period.
Customers being asked to donate essential items of long-life food such as Tinned Vegetables andTinned Meat, Tinned Fruit and Seasonal fare.
Food banks in the Trussell Trust network face distributing over 7,000 emergency food parcels a day to people in crisis this winter. But with your help, they can help make sure that people in crisis get the support they need over the festive period.
The collection has been organised by Tesco who will generously top up customers’ food donations with a financial donation of 20% of the value of the items donated, which will support Penryn and Falmouth Foodbank in the provision of emergency food parcels and practical support.
The manager of Penryn and Falmouth Foodbank, is urging local people in Falmouth and Penryn area to give generously to the food collection during their supermarket shop.
“For many people, the winter period can be extremely challenging with many families struggling to heat their homes and put food on the table.
“No one in the Penryn and Falmouth area should be facing hunger. We want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all. We’re determined to work alongside other food banks in the Trussell Trust network to bring about long-term change to end hunger not only during the Christmas season, but at any time of year.
“However, while we work to tackle the reasons why people don’t have enough money for the essentials, any donations of our most-needed items will be invaluable. Thanks to Tesco and the generosity of its customers, we hope to continue to offer vital support to families and children throughout the winter months.”
The Trussell Trust, which supports a nationwide network of over 1,300 food banks including Penryn and Falmouth Foodbank, has seen year-on-year increases in numbers of emergency food parcels distributed to people who are living in crisis.
Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said:
“Christmas is supposed to be a season of joy and celebration – but for millions of families it can also be a particularly tough time of year as they struggle to cover the basic costs of living such as heating, bills, food and other essentials.
“Food banks in our network work incredibly hard throughout the year to ensure that people in crisis get support – but Christmas is often their busiest period and we are always truly humbled to see how much Tesco customers are willing to donate to meet this increased need over the winter months.
“No one should have to go hungry at Christmas, or any time of year. But I have no doubt that the generosity of Tesco customers and colleagues this winter will once again help food banks provide the best possible help to families in crisis today, while working towards a future where everyone can afford the essentials in life – like food.
“Thank you for your generosity – together we can make a difference.”
The Tesco food collection will take place in every Tesco store in the UK. It is the biggest collection of its kind and a vital source of food for the Trussell Trust.
