1.9m-meal miracle keeps needy from going hungry

TESCO chief executive Ken Murphy has applauded the generosity of loyal shoppers who helped donate 1.9 million meals to the needy this Christmas.

- Giles Sheldrick

Items generously given to the retail giant's Winter Food Collection backed by this newspaper will ensure those suffering hunger and hardship are given a helping hand.

They were donated during a week-long drive last month in support of the hunger charities FareShare and Trussell.

Mr Murphy said: "I just want to say a huge thank you to every single person who donated items at this year's Winter Food Collection.

"Their generosity is always so amazing and really helps to make a huge impact in communities across the UK."

Donations to Trussell help food banks provide emergency parcels to people who cannot afford the essentials, while donations to FareShare support thousands of frontline community charities.

Trussell distributed 47,700 parcels solely to pensioners between April and September.

Hardship

Overall, nearly one quarter of children under four and a record 9.3 million people are now facing hunger and hardship.

In the past year, 3.1 million emergency parcels have been provided by food banks with the level of need growing exponentially as people struggle with the cost of living.

This winter will see unprecedented demand as bills rise.

Britain's biggest retailer is known for its slogan Every Little Helps the tiny things that add up to make a big difference.