Braintree foodbank in call for support to help food collection

The Braintree District Foodbank is one of many throwing their support behind the Tesco Food Collection.

The collection is taking place in all Tesco stores from December 1 to December 3, backed by the Trussell Trust and FareShare who are urging residents to support the event.

It comes as both charities face an unprecedented demand for food.

The Trussell Trust, which has the largest foodbank network in the UK, has seen a 46 per cent increase in the number of food parcels given out in recent months, while FareShare has a growing list of thousands more frontline charities seeking food.

During the collection, Tesco customers will be encouraged to donate long-life food to support the charities in their work.

Volunteers are needed to staff the collection points because when volunteers are present they collect considerably more food.

Lee Ranson, project manager at Braintree District Foodbank, said: “The cost of living crisis is affecting us all, but for families on the very lowest incomes this crisis means so much more.

“It means having to make impossible decisions between putting food on the table or affording internet access for the children to do their homework – and too many people are being left with no option but to use a food bank because their money simply won’t stretch.

“We are expecting that even more people in the Braintree district will be forced to use a food bank this winter and the Tesco Collection is vital in ensuring we can support everyone who comes through our doors.

“Supporting the Tesco Food Collection this December by volunteering could make all the difference to your local food bank during this busy period.

“You could donate a couple of hours of time and volunteer during the collection or, alternatively, you could donate food to your local Tesco donation point.”

To sign up, visit https://fareshare.org.uk/foodcollection/ or https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-involved/tesco-food-collection/volunteer