Tesco extra summer help for Oxfordshire families in need

Tesco will offer additional help to families across Oxfordshire facing food insecurity during the school break.

From July 20 to August 30, pre-filled donation bags costing between £2 and £4 will be available in stores for customers to buy.

These bags will support Trussell and Felix, who will distribute the food to charities and food banks across the country.

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.

“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 our grocery bill, can make a difference to the lives of thousands of children in communities across the UK.”

Last summer, food banks supported around 354,000 people, including 124,000 children.

This year, Tesco is expanding its Kids Eat Free café scheme to include weekends throughout the summer.

In all 317 Tesco cafés nationwide, children can receive a free meal with the purchase of any adult item.

Options include a Kids Hot Meal Deal, breakfast, or Pick ’n’ Mix.

Matthew van Duyvenbode, co-chief executive officer at The Trussell Trust, said: “Our community of food banks distributed more than 900,000 parcels for children last year, demonstrating the unacceptable levels of hunger and hardship so many families are currently facing. This isn’t right.

“That’s why the support of our partner Tesco is so crucial, providing in-store summer pick-up bags, making it much easier for people to support their local food bank throughout the school holidays.”

Additionally, Tesco will relaunch its Free Fruit for Kids scheme.

Between July 20 and August 30, children can pick up free apples at the checkouts in more than 800 large stores and 77 large Express branches.

Charlotte Hill, CEO at Felix, said: “That’s why the donation bags in Tesco stores are vital.

“The food donated will be shared with charities and community groups that can offer not just meals, but spaces and activities for children to play and make friends during the summer holidays, relieving the pressure on parents.”

From Monday, August 3, to Sunday, August 9, customers will also be able to round up their bill to the nearest pound, with donations supporting the two charities.