For immediate release:

RUTHERGLEN MSP SUPPORTS UK’S BIGGEST CHRISTMAS FOOD COLLECTION

Clare Haughey MSP visited a local Tesco store to support the company’s food collection drive.

Last weekend, more than 2,600 Tesco stores across the UK, including both Rutherglen and Burnside branches, held their annual food collection for people in need this Christmas – the biggest in the UK. Tesco’s campaign encourages shoppers to donate long-life foods to help charities FareShare and the Trussell Trust support people who might otherwise go hungry this Christmas.

The food donated to foodbanks in the Trussell Trust’s network is given in emergency food parcels to people referred because they cannot afford to feed themselves and their families. Whilst food donated to FareShare is distributed to charities and community groups who use it to provide meals for vulnerable groups such as isolated older people and those in homeless shelters.

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey visited Tesco Burnside and met with volunteers working at the collection point, handing out lists to shoppers of the most-needed items.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“It’s always important to think of people who are in need at this time of year and it was great to see the generosity of so many local people donating to help others in our community.

“As an MSP, I’ve referred many people to foodbanks so I know first-hand just how vital they are for my constituents. The work done by the Trussell Trust and others is incredible, however it is a sad indictment that foodbanks are needed at all.”

Tesco UK & Ireland CEO Jason Tarry added:

“Tesco Food Collection scheme is the UK’s biggest Christmas food collection, and at Tesco we are glad to be playing our part in helping people in need this Christmas. We know that the items that our customers donate can make a real difference to people who really need that little bit of extra help this year.”

Emma Revie, Chief Executive at The Trussell Trust said:

“Foodbanks across the country will be doing all they can to provide the best possible emergency support so people don’t go hungry – but to make sure we’re prepared for what could be our busiest December yet, our network needs your support.”

ENDS

Notes:

Please find below a photograph of Clare Haughey MSP at Tesco Burnside during the Tesco Food Collection.

Date published: 3rd December 2018