Tesco Winter Food Collection launches as FareShare and Trussell Trust brace for toughest winter yet

Tesco customers across Northern Ireland are being urged to help families facing hunger this winter by donating long-life essentials as part of the supermarket’s 13th annual Winter Food Collection.

Running from 24–29 November in Tesco Express stores and 27–29 November in larger stores, the UK’s biggest seasonal food drive will support FareShare and the Trussell community of food banks, both of which are preparing for unprecedented levels of demand.

Last year alone, generous Tesco shoppers donated the equivalent of 1.9 million meals, all of which went directly to the two charities.

This year, the need is even greater. FareShare expects to distribute the equivalent of more than 40 million meals across the UK this winter, while new Trussell research indicates that over 14 million people, including 3.8 million children, are now facing hunger.

The Trussell community predicts it will need to provide an emergency food parcel every ten seconds to meet demand during the coldest months.

Growing Pressure on Families

FareShare reports that more than a third of the charities it supplies primarily serve families with children, reflecting the increasing pressure on households struggling with rising living costs.

In response to this challenge, Tesco is expanding its use of pre-packed donation bags, already available in larger stores, to 86 of its biggest Express stores this winter. These bags—priced between £2.00 and £4.00—contain the most-needed long-life items and can be purchased at the checkout before being passed to FareShare and Trussell for distribution.

The most requested items include cereals and porridge, tinned soup, and tinned beans, alongside a wider list of essentials such as tinned fish, UHT milk, pasta, cooking sauces, toiletries and toilet roll.

“More vital than ever” – Food Banks Under Strain

Food banks across the UK are already experiencing heightened pressure. In the past year, food banks within the Trussell network provided 2.9 million parcels, a 51% increase compared with five years ago.

Karen Mullen, manager at Foyle Foodbank in Northern Ireland, said the impact of Tesco’s support cannot be overstated.

“We’re proud to have a strong relationship with our local Tesco—especially with their dedicated Community Champion. In 2024 alone, across our summer and winter collections, we received an incredible 2,400 kg of food and essential items. This support from Tesco and their customers is more vital than ever, as rising food costs and growing demand continue to put pressure on our foodbank.

“Going into winter and Christmas the support from the winter collection ensures that we have enough food to help families and individuals in our City over that period.

“The corporate relationship with Trussell and Tesco continues to be a tremendous support. Both teams work to plan and prepare for collections, providing marketing materials and coordinating the pre-packed donation bags. These bags are a brilliant initiative, especially for time-pressed shoppers, making it easier for them to contribute while ensuring we receive the specific items most needed at our foodbank.”

Tesco Urges Shoppers to “Pull Together”

Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad encouraged shoppers to give whatever they can afford.

“With more families than ever expected to need help with essentials this winter, along with our partners, we are encouraging customers to donate whatever they can to our Winter Food Collection. If we all pull together, we can make a big difference to lives across the UK this winter.

“It’s our 13th Winter Food Collection and the generosity of Tesco customers and their commitment to helping their local community makes me and the entire Tesco team so proud.”

Trussell and FareShare Warn of Severe Winter Hardship

Matthew Van Duyvenbode, co-chief executive at Trussell, said:

“With a food parcel being given out every 10 seconds this winter, we know far too many people will be facing hunger and hardship during the festive season. Food banks are a lifeline, offering a warm welcome and a listening ear, but they will only be able to operate this winter with the generous support of the public.

“We know times are tough, but a donation can really make a difference. The Tesco Winter Collection is the perfect opportunity to help. The pre-packed donation bags make it easier than ever to support your local food bank today and help someone facing hunger today. We are so grateful to Tesco for its continued partnership and to you, our generous supporters, for making someone smile this winter.”

FareShare Chief Executive Kris Gibbon-Walsh added:

“Food from FareShare reaches a network of over 8,000 charities across the UK, enabling them to provide food support alongside access to other vital services. In the winter months, many people accessing these local groups are forced to choose between keeping warm and eating. This makes the Tesco Winter Food Collection more important than ever.

“We are enormously grateful to all our colleagues at Tesco for their continued support, together we turn surplus and donated food into meals, strengthening communities and supporting those in need.

“The Tesco Winter Food Collection enables us to collect long-life, staple ingredients that complement the fresh surplus food we redistribute. If shoppers can donate just one item at their local store, they’ll be helping to provide a meal for someone facing hardship this winter.”

Tesco’s Long-Term Commitment

Tesco donates surplus food year-round through its partners FareShare and Olio. Since 2012, it has donated the equivalent of more than 300 million meals through FareShare alone, with an additional 128 million meals donated by customers via collection points and events.