Tesco customers can help those facing hunger and hardship by donating long-life items this week.

Braintree and Witham stores are taking part in the 12th annual Tesco Winter Food Collection, with donations going to charities Trussell and FareShare.

Both charities anticipate high demand for their services this winter.

Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said: "Our partners tell us they’ve seen even more families needing their help and they expect demand to increase this winter, so we’re encouraging Braintree and Witham customers to donate whatever they can to our Winter Food Collection.

"We’ve boosted our ongoing support to FareShare and Trussell with a donation of £500,000 each this year to help them meet additional demand through the summer and winter holiday periods when family finances are facing the most strain."

Tesco is making its pre-packed customer donation bags available at more stores, aiming to surpass the two million meals donated at last year’s collection.

The bags, typically costing between £2 and £3, are filled with 'nutritious' long-life items and can be picked up in-store and paid for at the checkout.

Emma Revie, Trussell chief executive, said: "Food banks are a last resort for people who’ve been left facing hunger and hardship.

"I know times are tough for everyone at the moment but, the Tesco Winter Collection is the perfect opportunity to donate."

The Winter Food Collection runs in Express stores from November 25-30 and in large stores from November 28-30.

According to FareShare and Trussell, the most-needed items include UHT and powdered milk, tinned meat and fish, and sponge/rice pudding.