FareShare schoolchild

Tesco said it would provide £15m of food donations

Tesco has announced a £30m package of support for communities reeling from the coronavirus outbreak, including nearly doubling its support for food redistribution groups and food banks during the lockdown.

The supermarket said it would provide £15m of food donations, including ambient and fresh products, to FareShare and The Trussell Trust over the next 12 weeks.

It has also given each organisation £500,000 to support their work.

Tesco already currently donates £3m of food every month through its Community Food Connection scheme and distribution centres.

Among other measures announced today, Tesco is donating £2m to the British Red Cross.

“Our stores are at the heart of the communities we serve and as well as supporting our customers and colleagues, we want to help those who need it most, locally,” said Tesco CEO Dave Lewis.

“We will significantly boost our food donations programme working with FareShare and Trussell Trust; continue our support for the incredible work of the British Red Cross and also refocus our Bags of Help scheme to support grassroots community groups helping vulnerable people at this difficult time.”

Lewis also urged customers to shop in store if they can, to keep grocery home shopping slots for people in need, and to donate food at its in-store collection points.