People in Cornwall are being urged to give the gift of their time to take part in the UK’s biggest food donation drive. 

The Tesco Food Collection is taking place in stores from November 30 to December 2, and the Trussell Trust and FareShare are urging volunteers to support the event.  

It comes as both charities face their busiest winter yet, with more Cornwall people turning to them for support. 

The Trussell Trust, which has the largest foodbank network in the UK, is expecting to distribute more than one million emergency food parcels between December and February, while FareShare has more than 1,500 frontline charities on its waiting list seeking food. 

During the collection, Cornwall customers will be encouraged to donate long-life food to support the charities in their work. Donations for the Trussell Trust will help its network of food banks provide emergency food parcels to people who cannot afford the essentials, while donations to FareShare will get food to its network of local charities and community groups. Tesco is calling on volunteers to staff its store collection points. 

Trussell Trust chief executive Emma Revie said: “By volunteering at the Tesco Winter Food Collection, you will not only be helping to gather much-needed donations to keep your local food bank going, you’ll also be making a real difference to families who cannot afford the essentials in your community. If you can spare a few hours to volunteer, then please do.” 

People can sign up to with FareShare at fareshare.org.uk/foodcollection or with the Trussell Trust at www.trusselltrust.org/get-in volved/tesco-food-collection/volunteer