A FOOD COLLECTION scheme that aims to increase food supplies to food banks in Moray and throughout the country is being backed by a local MSP.
Regional MSP Rhoda Grant turned out at a Tesco store on Friday to support their firms Neighbourhood Food Collection drive.
The annual drive takes place in all Tesco stores around the country and today will see its most productive day as shoppers are asked to make donations. Working alongside food distribution charities FareShare and the Trussell Trust, the scheme has been running since 2012 and the current December 1 to 3 effort marks the ninth collection operated by Tesco.
Neighbourhood Food Collection sees Tesco customers being provided with a shopping list as they enter the store, highlighting items that are most needed. They can then purchase these and drop them at the collection point as they leave.
Tesco will then top up customer donations by 20% – helping the charities to grow and provide additional support to people in need – and, importantly, means Tesco does not profit from items customers purchase to donate.
Mrs Grant said: “I am really pleased that Tesco and their charity partners, FareShare and The Trussell Trust are running this event for the ninth time especially now when many people are really struggling to feed their families.
“It is a really simple concept and it’s easy to support. It is incredibly sad that families are struggling in this way but it is fantastic that Tesco, their customers, Fareshare and the Trussell Trust are there to help.”
Tony McElroy, Tesco’s Head of Communications for Scotland, said “The generosity of our customers every time we run the Neighbourhood Food Collection is outstanding.
“This is now our ninth collection and we want to once again support as many people in need across Scotland this Christmas.”