SHOPPERS are being encouraged to donate life-long food products to help foodbanks and community groups support people in crisis this Christmas.

Tesco is appealing for members of the public to contribute food items for an annual collection in aid of food charities FareShare and The Trussell Trust.

There will be collection points at Tesco stores across Bury, Ramsbottom and Prestwich between Thursday, November 29 and Saturday, December 1, with the supermarket topping up donations by a further 20 per cent.

FareShare and The Trussell Trust are also asking for volunteers to hand out shopping lists to customers, so they can see the food items needed in the area.

Emma Revie, Chief Executive of The Trussell Trust said: "Foodbanks across the country will be doing all they can to provide emergency support so people don’t go hungry this Christmas, but to make sure everyone referred receives vital help our network needs your support.

"The more people volunteering with foodbanks at the Tesco Food Collection, the more food will be collected from generous shoppers, and the better prepared foodbanks will be for their busiest time of year."

Last year, 3.34 million meals were collected via the Tesco Food Collection, and since the launch in 2012, more than 49 million meals have been donated to the two charities by Tesco customers.

Lindsay Boswell, FareShare CEO said: "Volunteers collect an average of 600 meals per three-hour shift, so we really can’t overestimate how important their contribution is. If you can spare a few hours to volunteer in your local store please do, and please encourage your friends, family and colleagues to get involved as well. You’ll be making an enormous difference.”

Participating stores include Tesco at Woodfield Retail Park, Tesco Express in Bolton Road, Tesco Express in Tottington Road, Tesco Express in Water Street, Radcliffe, Tesco superstore in Irwell Street, Ramsbottom, and Tesco Express in Bury Old Road, Prestwich.

Tesco UK CEO Jason Tarry said: “Together we can make a real difference this Christmas through Tesco’s Food Collection scheme. Our customers have been incredibly generous in recent years and with the help of volunteers we hope to collect even more this year to support those who really need it.”