Tesco is introducing a range of initiatives this summer to help support Warrington children and families facing food insecurity during the school holidays.
The supermarket is working with charities Trussell and Felix to provide extra support for families who may struggle during the six-week break, when children who usually receive free school meals are at greater risk of going without.
According to Trussell, food bank support for children remains 34 per cent higher than before the pandemic, while Felix says more than four in 10 charities in its food redistribution network have seen demand increase over the past year.
From 20 July to 30 August in England and Wales, Tesco customers will be able to buy pre-filled food donation bags in large stores. Costing between £2 and £4, the bags contain long-life food and essential items which will be distributed by Trussell and Felix to food banks and community organisations supporting families in need.
From 3 to 9 August, shoppers will also be able to round up their shopping bill to the nearest pound at the checkout, with donations shared between the two charities. Online customers can also donate when checking out on Tesco’s grocery website.
For families shopping in store, Tesco’s Kids Eat Free offer will run throughout the school summer holidays in its cafés. Children can receive a free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast or Kids Pick ‘n’ Mix meal with the purchase of an adult item from as little as 60p when a Tesco Clubcard or Clubcard App is used.
The supermarket is also bringing back its Free Fruit for Kids initiative, with children able to pick up a free apple at checkouts in participating large Tesco stores between 20 July and 30 August.
Christine Heffernan, Tesco’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, 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 your 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 emergency food parcels for children last year, demonstrating the unacceptable levels of hunger and hardship so many families are currently facing.
“The support of our partner Tesco is crucial, making it easier for people to support their local food bank throughout the school holidays. We are grateful to Tesco and to everyone who donates food this summer.”
Charlotte Hill, Chief Executive of Felix, said: “We know demand for food support continues to grow as families face ongoing cost-of-living pressures. During the school holidays many will turn to local charities for help.
“The donation bags in Tesco stores will help provide food to charities and community groups supporting children and families throughout the summer.”
