Shoppers in Sunderland are being urged to give a little back when out buying food and household goods in the run up to Christmas by supporting food banks.
This past Thursday, Tesco stores across the country opened their doors to the 2018 campaign in which over 2,600 supermarkets are taking part in the nationwide initiative asking shoppers to donate food items to the local community.
Tesco in Sunderland are taking part in the event in support with the Sunderland Food Bank network; Kate Townsend, Food Bank distribution manager said: “The support we have received this week has been absolutely fantastic.
“We have had so many donations from the community who have really came together to donate and support families who are in need at this time of the year.
“Christmas is such an important time of the year for families and the support of people coming together has been excellent.
“We have had over two car loads of donations which I have taken back to the food distribution centre, so there will be lots of families being helped out in the run up to Christmas.”
Kate Townsend and a range of volunteers from the Sunderland Food Bank network are greeting customers until Saturday, with the aim that more food is donated this Christmas.
Over 3.34million meals were donated to the food charities by Tesco customers last year, and the supermarket is hoping that shoppers will be just as generous this time around and collect even more good to support disadvantaged families.
Journalism Student Sam Blacklock spoke to Kate Townsend this afternoon live on Skype from Tesco in Sunderland. Listen below to hear what she had to say.
Teesside University Sports Journalism Graduate – now working in Digital Media Communications
