Supermarket chain says thank you to people of the West Midlands after reaching meal donation milestone
Tesco has thanked the West Midlands people who have helped to alleviate poverty and reduce food waste as part of special landmark celebrations - donating 9,200,811 meals.
The supermarket chain has reached the milestone of donating 220 million meals to those in need through its Community Food Connection programme with the food charity FareShare.
To commemorate the occasion, Tesco is paying tribute to the volunteers, community groups and Tesco colleagues who have contributed to the success of the partnership.
Matthew Barnes, UK CEO of Tesco, said: “Tesco is immensely proud of its partnership with FareShare and the fantastic achievement of donating 220 million meals over the last 12 years.
“None of this could have been done without the passion, determination and drive of the countless people in places such as the West Midlands who have contributed to it, and it is to them today that we say a big thank you.
“But the hard work doesn’t stop here. While this is a momentous milestone, we remain committed to partnering with FareShare as we work towards our goal of halving food waste and getting more good food to people.”
One of the groups that has benefited from the Community Food Connection scheme is Northleigh House School.
Northleigh House is a school for children who have experienced bullying and have high anxiety, providing a safe environment to learn. Every week, the team collects food from Tesco Solihull through the Community Food Connection programme, in partnership with FareShare Go, to provide food for breakfast and cooking classes for children.
Elaine Hoggarth, Wellbeing Mentor at Northleigh House School, said: “The food we collect weekly from Tesco Solihull 3188 store is invaluable to us.
“We are a small independent school with students who suffer from high anxiety. We use every bit of the food we collect. The majority of it is used in the Cookery lessons, which take place all day, and every day of the week. Our Cookery teacher devises recipes to ensure that all of the Tesco donations are put to their best use.
“We also use the food for Life Skills lessons, where the students get the opportunity to try foods they would otherwise not taste. Aubergines, chillies, mangoes and avocadoes are a few examples.
“We are so grateful to FareShare and Tesco for their generosity.”
Now in its 12th year, Tesco’s partnership with FareShare sees surplus food from Tesco stores and distribution centres donated to FareShare’s network of charities, community groups and food banks, bringing people together to help alleviate poverty and reduce food waste.
George Wright, CEO of FareShare, said: “FareShare has worked with Tesco since 2012 to help alleviate poverty in the UK by ensuring surplus food within its supply chain is used to feed people and doesn’t end up as waste. Quite simply, FareShare could not do what we do without Tesco’s incredible support.
“The milestone of 220 million meals donated is a testament to all those involved in our partnership with Tesco. These 220 million meals have supported causes across the UK, from local community groups, charities and food banks helping those who need it most.”
By Paige Turner - Contributor
