Tesco banks on customers’ help to feed needy

The foodbank will provide emergency supplies to local people unable to buy food for themselves or their families. Since November, it has been working hard to collect the food it will need before the April 2 opening.

On Saturday (March 9) Foodbank volunteers will hand Tesco shoppers a list of most-needed foods items to go in the emergency food bags for those in dire need. They can buy just one item before donating into the Foodbank box on their way out of the store.

With one in five Britons borrowing money for groceries, foodbanks are becoming a common sight. Recipients include unemployed and working families on low incomes. Luton is one of the most deprived towns in the East of England with 27% of children living below the official poverty line.

Cuts to benefits from April will mean more families may struggle to make ends meet.

When Luton Foodbank opens, food will be distributed through local community centres. Referral agencies will give individuals a voucher after assessing them to be in genuine emergency need. Customers will be offered help from local advice agencies to help resolve the immediate cause of their crisis.

A Foodbank spokesman said: “We are really grateful to Tesco for their support and hope customers will get behind this worthy cause.” For more, including ways to donate food or money, visit www.lutonfoodbank.org.uk.