Tesco has launched a new initiative to support struggling families during the Easter holidays. The supermarket giant is offering customers the chance to purchase pre-packed food donation bags to help those facing financial difficulties. The donation bags will contain essential, healthy, and long-lasting food items and will be available in all large Tesco stores across the UK from April 7 to 20.
The Easter Holiday Helps initiative is part of Tesco’s ongoing commitment to supporting schoolchildren through its Stronger Starts campaign. In addition to the food donation bags, Tesco also runs the Fruit and Veg for Schools programme, which provides grants to over 400 schools with high rates of free school meals. This initiative aims to offer children healthier snack and meal options while at school, promoting better nutrition.
Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, highlighted the challenges faced by families during school holidays when free meal provisions are not available. She emphasised that the pre-packed donation bags will make a significant difference by supporting organizations like FareShare and Trussell, which help families in need. Trussell’s food banks have seen a substantial increase in demand, with a significant portion of their support going to families with children.
The most needed items in the donation bags include UHT and powdered milk, tinned meat and fish, cooking sauces, pasta, rice, cereal, and more. FareShare, the UK’s largest food redistribution charity, plays a vital role in providing surplus food to charities and community groups, with a focus on supporting families. Their impact report shows that the food they supply helps children access nutritious meals, leading to improved performance in school for many.
Tesco’s support for FareShare and other community groups extends beyond Easter, with the supermarket redistributing unsold food from its stores through the Community Food Connection programme. This initiative has already provided over 220 million meals to those in need. Customers can also contribute by donating the value of their Clubcard vouchers to FareShare or Trussell online, further supporting these essential services.
Emma Revie, CEO at Trussell, highlighted the growing demand for food parcels, especially for children, and stressed the importance of addressing food insecurity in the UK. By partnering with Tesco this Easter, Trussell aims to make a real difference in the lives of families across the country. Kris Gibbon-Walsh, Chief Executive at FareShare, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the impact of donations in helping charities meet the rising demand during the school holidays.
Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme, launched in 2023, focuses on providing grants for additional food and activity equipment to support children’s wellbeing. By investing in nutritious food and healthy activities, the initiative aims to give children a stronger start in life. This initiative complements Tesco’s broader efforts to address food insecurity and support communities across the UK, reflecting the supermarket’s commitment to making a positive impact.
As Tesco continues its Easter campaign to support families in need, the initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and collaboration in addressing food poverty. By engaging customers and partnering with charities like FareShare and Trussell, Tesco is helping to make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of children and families across the UK.