Tavistock’s Tesco store is holding a special summer food collection to support the Trussell Trust and FareShare charities as they respond to an increased demand for food in the wake of the pandemic.

From August 20 to 22 customers can donate essential items of long-life food to the good causes. Tesco will top up all customer donations with an additional 20% donation in cash to the two charities.

The collection has been organised in direct response to the extra pressures placed on the foodbanks and community groups supported by FareShare and the Trussell Trust during the Covid-19 pandemic. FareShare has seen its highest-ever demand for food from the thousands of local charities and community groups it supports, while the Trussell Trust has seen need at food banks soar by more than 80%.

Tesco director David Page said: ‘This is a really challenging time for the two charities because of the big rise in demand on them for food.

‘Our customers have responded with incredible generosity to our food collections in the past, donating more than 39-million meals.

‘I hope they will give generously again because there are a lot of people who need a helping hand at the moment and this appeal will make a real difference to them.’

Emma Greenwood, the Trussell Trust’s South West area manager, said: ‘Over the last few months, we’ve been truly humbled to see how much people are willing to give and the difference this can make when someone is in crisis. As we look to the coming months, more people than ever are likely to need a foodbank. This isn’t right. Everyone should be able to afford their own food. Every donation made during Tesco’s summer food collection will help foodbanks in our network provide the best possible emergency help to people referred at an uncertain time.’