Volunteers are badly needed in Slough to help ensure people in the town do not go hungry this Christmas.

The appeal comes from two charities providing vital food to people worst hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

From November 19 to 21, charities FareShare and the Trussell Trust will be collecting food in Tesco stores during the annual pre-Christmas Tesco Food Collection.

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FareShare is looking for people to volunteer at donation points in store, while the Trussell Trust is looking for volunteers to share shopping lists on social media to encourage people to donate.

During the collection at Tesco Slough customers are encouraged to donate long-life food to help food banks and community groups supporting people this Christmas. Tesco will top up customer donations by 20 per cent in cash to aid the two charities in their work.

Slough volunteers are needed to encourage shoppers to leave their donations in the collection point at the front of stores.

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Foodbanks in the Trussell Trust’s network are expecting to give out six emergency food parcels every minute this winter.

Claire Martin, FareShare Development Manager, said: “We know that many people have already fallen victim to the economic impact of the pandemic and thousands more are at risk of losing their jobs and livelihoods.

"We have seen a huge increase in people turning to their grassroots community groups for support and demand for food is more than double pre-pandemic levels.

“We would be hugely grateful to anyone who is able to volunteer this year to encourage more shoppers to donate much needed ambient food to those who need it most.”

Volunteers will need to adhere to the Covid-19 rules in place in the store and locally when they participate. People interested in volunteering can find out more and sign up at fareshare.org.uk/foodcollection.