Christmas is supposed to be a season for joy and celebration – but for millions of families it is one of the toughest times of the year as they struggle to put food on the table and heat their homes.
That’s why Lichfield foodbank is asking shoppers to spread some festive kindness and support local people in crisis this Christmas by donating to Tesco’s annual winter food collection.
From Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 November, customers at Tesco Extra on Church Street in Lichfield will be greeted by foodbank volunteers and encouraged to pick up food items as they shop, to drop in special donation trollies on the way out of the store.
The food donations will be used to support people across the local area who are struggling to put food on the table this Christmas and could be forced to use a food bank over the festive period. Customers are being asked to donate long-life items such as tinned potatoes and vegetables, tinned ham, mince pies and treats to contribute to the 600 Christmas food bags which the food bank anticipates will be needed this year.
The collection has been organised by Tesco who will generously top up customers’ food donations with a financial donation of 20% of the value of the items donated, which will support Lichfield foodbank in the provision of emergency food parcels and practical support in the New Year.
David Clarke, chair of Lichfield foodbank, is asking local people to give generously to the food collection during their supermarket shop.
David said:
“This is a very difficult time for many people. Since the end of August, we have seen an unprecedented increase in demand for our services.
No one in Lichfield and the surrounding villages need go hungry.
Whilst we will work with anyone and everyone to bring an end to local people needing emergency food at all, we will continue to support everyone in the community who needs our help until that day comes.
Your donations of our most-needed items will be invaluable this Christmas.
Thanks to Tesco and the generosity of its customers, we hope to continue to offer vital support to families and children during the festive season and over the coming months.”
