Almost 2,000 people from across the district have needed emergency food packages in the last six months.

The Braintree Area Foodbank, which has distribution centres across the district, revealed it has handed out three-day food packages to 1,900 people in the latter half of the year.

It is now asking shoppers to donate items at the end of their supermarket trips in a bid to help those in need.

Co-ordinator Maggie Drewett said: “Winter is the hardest time of year for people living in poverty, and this Christmas is looking especially tough as fuel prices continue to rise.”

Between Friday and Sunday Tesco customers in the Marks Farm, Great Notley and Grove centre stores will be invited to donate an item on the Foodbank’s shopping list.

Tesco will top up any donations by 30 per cent.

For more information visit braintreearea.foodbank.org.uk