Tesco has launched its 12th annual Winter Food Collection to help those facing hunger and hardship in Buckinghamshire.

Customers at Tesco stores across the county are encouraged to donate long-life items to support the Trussell Trust and FareShare charities.

These donations will provide vital extra supplies for the charities, which anticipate high demand for their services this winter.

Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said: "Our partners tell us they've seen even more families needing their help and they expect demand to increase this winter, so we're encouraging Buckinghamshire customers to donate whatever they can to our Winter Food Collection.

"We’ve boosted our ongoing support to FareShare and Trussell with a donation of £500,000 each this year to help them meet additional demand through the summer and winter holiday periods when family finances are facing the most strain."

(Image: Tesco)

The Trussell Trust's research indicates that nearly a quarter of children under four are now at risk of hunger and hardship, with a record 9.3 million people in the UK facing similar challenges.

FareShare's annual impact report mirrors this concern, highlighting an 86 per cent increase in people accessing their services among the 8,000 charity partners and community groups they support.

To meet this rising demand, Tesco is expanding its initiative by making pre-packed customer donation bags available at even more stores.

These bags, which cost between £2 and £3, are filled with long-life items and can be purchased in-store.

The donated food is then distributed by FareShare and Trussell to charities and food banks.

The Winter Food Collection, the largest in the UK, runs in Express stores from November 25 to 30 and in large stores from November 28 to 30.

Emma Revie, Trussell Chief Executive, said: "Food banks are a last resort for people who’ve been left facing hunger and hardship.

"They’re a lifeline, offering a warm welcome and space to be heard.

"The Tesco Winter Collection is the perfect opportunity to donate.

"Options like the pre-packed donation bags and round-up-at-till make it easier than ever to support your local food bank today and help end hunger for good."

The winter season is typically the busiest time for Tesco’s charity partners.

Between December 2023 and January 2024, Trussell's community of food banks distributed more than 600,000 food parcels.

Kris Gibbon-Walsh, FareShare Chief Executive, said: "If you’re able to donate just one item at your local store, you’ll be helping to provide a meal for someone in hardship this winter."

Since 2012, Tesco has donated the equivalent of more than 220 million meals through its Community Food Connection programme.