Tesco launches Christmas Food Collection to support local causes in Kildare

Tesco Ireland has launched its annual Christmas Food Collection in 115 stores nationwide from Friday, November 29 to- Sunday, December 1, with online donations available now. Customers are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to local Family Resource Centres, as well as other charitable organisations, that are supporting children and their families across Ireland this Christmas.   

Since 2013, these annual appeals have collected and donated food to the value of €2.4 million, providing the equivalent of 1.9 million meals to those in need across Ireland, with over €27,531.94 donated to causes in Kildare last Christmas. Customers can contribute by purchasing an extra item that can be donated via the Christmas Food Collection trolley, that will be located near the store exit at selected stores. Suggested items include tea bags, coffee, pasta and rice, breakfast cereals, and tinned goods with 100% of the items being donated. Volunteers from Saint Vincent de Paul Celbridge, Kildare Town Community School, Maynooth Kilcock Lions Club, Naas Child & Family Project, Newbridge Family Resource Centre, Insync Youth Project and The Dining Room will be attending the Food Collection trolleys across the weekend. 

Rosemary Garth, Communications Director, Tesco Ireland said: “We are asking customers, who are in a position to do so, to get involved in this year’s Christmas Food Collection. Customers can do this by picking up one additional item during their shop and donating it to the Christmas Food Collection trolleys located in Tesco stores nationwide, or by purchasing a donation bundle online. We’re hoping that our customers, who have always shown incredible kindness, can help us spread a little more joy this Christmas.” 

This is the third year the Christmas Food Collection will also run online at Tesco.ie until Sunday, December 1, when customers can donate by purchasing a €2.50 and/or €5 bundle. 

At Tesco, the spirit of giving is not just for Christmas time. Beyond Christmas, Tesco Ireland has doubled the number of DEIS primary schools receiving support from its Stronger Starts food programme. This means, every week of the school term, 4,800 children in 240 DEIS primary schools receive free, fresh food packs containing a mix of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables from Tesco. By doubling the number of schools, Tesco has been able to support more children and their families with the option to create healthier meal solutions at home.