Nearly 17,000 meals have been donated in a show of public support for Somerset families in need.
The Tesco Winter Food Collection, held across the retailer’s large and Express stores in the county, resulted in the donation of enough food to provide 16,949 meals to people facing hardship.
The campaign, supported by hundreds of volunteers and held from Monday, November 24 to Saturday, November, 29, saw shoppers contribute vital supplies in the weeks running up to Christmas.
Ashwin Prasad, chief executive officer at Tesco UK, said: "As ever, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Tesco customers who have shown how much they value the hard work of our partners Trussell and FareShare in their local communities.
"I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated and made this such a special event in stores.
"Every single item donated really helps to make a huge impact in communities supported by Trussell and FareShare."
Donations to Trussell help food banks to provide emergency food parcels to people who cannot afford the essentials, while donations to FareShare support frontline local charities in their communities.
Both organisations have reported exceptional demand this winter, with the charities predicting that food banks could be required to distribute an emergency food parcel every 10 seconds.
FareShare continues to see high levels of need and said that more than a third of its partners now primarily serve families with children or services for children.
Kris Gibbon-Walsh, chief executive of FareShare, said: "Once again, the generosity of Tesco customers at the Winter Food Collection has been humbling.
"At a time when many people are forced to choose between keeping warm and eating, demand for these local charities’ services is higher than ever.
"The food that we can provide thanks to the Winter Food Collection makes a real difference, helping to bring people together, strengthen communities and support those in need.
"Thank you to every single person that donated an item of food, topped up their shopping bill or generously gave their time to volunteer in store.
"Your support will help provide a meal for someone facing hardship this winter, enable them to connect with other vital services, and make a positive difference.
"Thank you."
Matthew van Duyvenbode, co-chief executive of Trussell, also thanked the public for their generosity.
He said: "We are so grateful to Tesco for supporting our community of food banks through the coldest season by organising the annual Winter Food Collection.
"Crucially, it’s thanks to you – Tesco customers – who donate food and money so generously.
"By doing this, you’re ensuring food banks can continue to help people in your local community who are facing hunger and hardship.
"Thank you for your kindness."
Donations can still be made at permanent collection points at every Tesco store or after an online shop until the end of February.
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