Hundreds of meals have been donated to people in need over Christmas.

Shoppers in Harrow donated over 250 meals for people in need during the Tesco Food Collection which ran from November 21 to November 23.

Food redistribution charities Fareshare and Trussell Trust received over 2.5million donations nation-wide, with Tesco topping up the value of all donations by an additional 20 per cent.

The donations made to food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network are being used to provide food parcels for people in crisis, while donations to Fareshare go to charities and community groups such as homeless shelters and older people’s lunch clubs.

During the Christmas period, many foodbanks including the Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank, see a rise in people who require food donations.

Harrow Times:

Emma Revie, the Trussell Trust’s chief executive, thanked customers and said: “Food banks up and down the country could not do what they do without the incredible support of the public and their loyal volunteers who work tirelessly to help people when they need support the most.

“An emergency food parcel, listening ear and compassionate, practical advice at the food bank can make a real difference when someone is facing a crisis.

“Any donations help make that difference.”

Lindsay Boswell, the chief executive at FareShare, added: “We are hugely grateful to every single person who volunteered and donated items during this year’s Tesco Food Collection - it was wonderful to see so many passionate people lending a hand to support us.

“All items donated by Tesco customers will be redistributed by FareShare to charities and community organisations and will help to ensure more people get a hot, nutritious meal.”

The donations made during the collection is only part of the millions of donations mad in the 500 permanent collection points at Tesco stores.