GENEROUS Tesco shoppers in Renfrew have been thanked for donating thousands of meals to feed people in their community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A huge pile of packets, tins and boxes were handed over at the Newmains Road store after the annual Tesco Food Collection was launched at the end of November.

The donations have meant the Trussell Trust and FareShare charities have been able to provide a total of 2,525 meals to local people who are struggling to put food on the table.

Emma Revie, CEO at the Trussell Trust, which supports a network of foodbanks across the UK, said: “Throughout 2020, communities have stepped in to provide vital support to people left without enough money for the basics.

“We have been truly humbled to see how much people are willing to give to foodbanks in our network as they face their busiest winter ever.

“It’s not right that any of us are forced to a charity for food but, thanks to the incredible compassion and generosity of Tesco customers during the

Tesco Food Collection, foodbanks in our network are able to continue to provide the lifeline of emergency support for local people in crisis this winter, while we work in the long term to build a hunger-free future.”

Claire De Silva, Tesco’s head of community, has thanked all those customers in Renfrew who supported the annual collection.

“We know that every single can, jar or packet donated is helping someone who needs support this winter,” she said.

“We are immensely proud of the vital support our customers and colleagues have been able to give to the two charities in these very challenging times.”

Shoppers who were unable to donate in store can still show their support by donating Tesco Clubcard vouchers or money. For more details, visit www.tesco.com/zones/supporting-charities-and-communities.