But big-hearted shoppers in Renfrewshire have been rallying round to help make sure struggling parents don’t have to see their loved ones go hungry.

Customers and staff at the newly-opened Tesco in Linwood shunned the bargain hunting frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday last week to concentrate ion thinking about those who can’t afford a meal.

And Renfrewshire South MSP Hugh Henry joined them alongside Provost Anne Hall at the store to collect his own basket of donations to go to Renfrewshire Foodbank which provides a vital lifeline to families.

Working alongside the charity Trussel Trust and foodbank redistribution charity FareShare, customers at the busy store were invited to donate food as the retailer concluded its biggest ever food collection in the UK.

The response was excellent and the charity delighted although the appeal for food goes on daily.

Local MSP Hugh Henry said: “The generosity shown today and throughout this appeal has been incredible. I was hugely impressed last year by the staggering amount of goods donated and this year is no different. If anything it has surpassed all expectations.

“Every donation makes a huge difference to families struggling to put food on the table. Without the generosity of the local community and volunteers as well as the support of staff at Tesco, families in Renfrewshire are going hungry in these tough times.” Provost Anne Hall also commented: “It’s wonderful to see the community pull together and do what they can to make sure everyone has a meal this Christmas.

“I’d like to thank all those people who took the time to make a donation, not just today, but throughout the year.” Customers at Linwood Tesco were given a special shopping list as they entered the store and were asked to pick up an item of food such as long-life milk, cereal, tinned foods, tea and coffee before donating it at the end of their shop.

The food collected will be given to Renfrewshire Foodbank before being distributed to people in times of crisis.

Colin Caldow, store manager of Tesco Linwood, said: “We’d like to thank our many customers who supported our Neighbourhood Food Collection. Food poverty is still a serious issue that needs to be addressed and food banks are a really important resource.

“We’re extremely grateful to our customers who donated at our Collection Point here in Linwood — the response has been brilliant.” If you need to get in touch with Renfrewshire Foodbank or you are interested in volunteering, call 0141 889 7999.