Wales donates over 8 million meals for Tesco

Tesco says thank you after reaching 220 million meals milestone.

Welsh people who have helped to alleviate poverty and reduce food waste have been thanked by Tesco as part of special landmark celebrations.

The supermarket chain has reached the milestone of donating 220 million meals to those in need through its Community Food Connection programme with the food charity FareShare.

To commemorate the occasion, Tesco is paying tribute to the volunteers, community groups and Tesco colleagues who have contributed to the success of the partnership.

Over the years, the partnership has seen the country donate 8,119,362.09 meals.

Matthew Barnes, UK CEO of Tesco, said: “Tesco is immensely proud of its partnership with FareShare and the fantastic achievement of donating 220 million meals over the last 12 years.

“None of this could have been done without the passion, determination and drive of the countless people in places such as Wales who have contributed to it, and it is to them today that we say a big thank you.

“But the hard work doesn’t stop here. While this is a momentous milestone, we remain committed to partnering with FareShare as we work towards our goal of halving food waste and getting more good food to people.”

One of the groups that has benefited from the Community Food Connection scheme is Michael Climer Legacy Fund, which has been actively involved in the campaign for three years.

Michael Climer Legacy Fund supports a food cooperative at Holy Trinity Church Hall in Ystrad Mynach. The charity started receiving food from Tesco in 2019, which was redistributed to help support local families struggling to afford food. Alongside local support, the regular support from Tesco allowed them to set up a weekly food service every Tuesday in 2021.

The charity also promotes its eco-education policy, including reducing food waste, encouraging recycling, and growing and cooking fresh vegetables.

Judith Climer, Treasurer at the Michael Climer Legacy Fund said: “Tesco have been such amazing partners to us.

“Since our weekly food cooperative was opened in 2021 a great deal more food was needed to supply demand. Tesco have supplied a great deal of end of day produce which has boosted the provisions for our users and at the same time ensured less food waste.

“Through Fareshare we have been able to access food from large Tesco stores and the smaller local Tesco stores. All contributions, whether small or large are gratefully received and our volunteers collecting the food continue to report to us that the staff and management in all stores are obliging, pleasant and extremely helpful. This is such a good example of community helping community and we are confident that Tesco will continue to take the dedicated approach to helping charities and ensuring as much food is redistributed as possible in the professional manner to which we have become accustomed.

“Thank you, Tesco. We look forward to continuing our joint aim to improve wellbeing and reduce food waste.”

Now in its 12^th year, Tesco’s partnership with FareShare sees surplus food from Tesco stores and distribution centres donated to FareShare’s network of charities, community groups and food banks, bringing people together to help alleviate poverty and reduce food waste.

George Wright, CEO of FareShare, said: “FareShare has worked with Tesco since 2012 to help alleviate poverty in the UK by ensuring surplus food within its supply chain is used to feed people and doesn’t end up as waste. Quite simply, FareShare could not do what we do without Tesco’s incredible support.

“The milestone of 220 million meals donated is a testament to all those involved in our partnership with Tesco. These 220 million meals have supported causes across the UK, from local community groups, charities and food banks helping those who need it most.”