Tesco enhances Stafford charity’s food parcels with fresh produce
People in Staffordshire are receiving free supplies from Tesco stores thanks to the tireless work of Signpost Services.
The charity, based at the Rising Brook Community Church in Stafford, has been dedicated to reducing poverty in the county for the past 18 years and runs a foodbank service for people in the community. With the help of Tesco Stafford, it’s able to supplement the foodbank with fresh produce.
This is all part of the Community Food Connection surplus food scheme, which involves local Tesco stores and food charity FareShare.
Signpost Services distributes food parcels every week to 200–250 people, providing enough food for three days to help hundreds of local families and individuals struggling with the rising cost of living and financial hardship.
In addition to the foodbank, the charity runs other projects for people that might need additional help, including Info and Guidance which provides support with debt and bills.
There is also Open House, which provides elderly members with activities to help combat loneliness, the Storehouse scheme, which provides furniture to those in need and Crash, where they provide one-off practical support, such as decorating and gardening to individuals experiencing poverty.
Jo Yendole, Project Manager at Signposts Services, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing food from FareShare and Tesco Stafford. Since the cost of living crisis, we’ve seen an influx in the need for food parcels.
“These contributions not only help us provide essential food parcels to individuals who need them, but also allow us to provide them with fresh produce, an essential that is often out of reach for many.
“Fresh foods are valued highly by community members and they’re always thankful when they appear in their parcels. It allows them the opportunity to provide their loved ones with a well-balanced meal. Schemes such as the Community Food Connection provide people with one less worry in their lives and access to a plate they can be proud of.”
The Community Food Connection scheme ensures that surplus food from Tesco is given to charities and community groups in the FareShare network, whose volunteer members then distribute it to the public. Across the UK it redistributes 2 million meals each month.
Jonathon Dean, Store Manager at Tesco Stafford, said: “The team at Signpost Services are truly committed to the people of Staffordshire. Their dedication goes far beyond simply handing out food parcels — it’s about creating a space where people feel supported and cared for in times of need.
“At Tesco, we’re proud to play a role in helping them make such a positive impact in the community. Being able to contribute fresh, nutritious food means we’re not just addressing hunger but helping to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to a well-balanced and healthy meal. We hope to continue this partnership to uplift and nourish the local community.”
Katie Sadler, Head of FareShare Go, said: “The food that Tesco redistributes through FareShare makes a huge difference to people facing food insecurity across the UK.
“We work with thousands of charities and community groups providing essential support to their communities, and receiving a steady stream of food helps them to feed the people who need it most.”
Charities and community groups that could benefit from the support of the Community Food Connection scheme can find further information at fareshare.org.uk/getting-food
