Tesco offering extra support to families during the summer

The retailer is running multiple schemes to help children in Bournemouth and across the UK, particularly those who rely on free school meals during term time and may face food insecurity outside of school.

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."

From July 20 to August 30, Tesco will sell pre-filled food donation bags at all large stores in and around Bournemouth, containing long-life essentials.

Typically costing between £2 and £4, these bags can be purchased at the checkout and are distributed to families in need through food banks and charities.

The scheme comes in response to ongoing need, with the Trussell Trust reporting that food bank use among children remains 34 per cent higher than before the pandemic.

Emergency food parcels for under-fives have risen by 24 per cent.

Matthew van Duyvenbode, co-chief executive officer at the Trussell Trust, said: "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 during this school holiday.

"We are so grateful to Tesco and to everyone who donates food this summer.”