CUSTOMERS shopping in Tesco’s Minehead store have contributed to donations which will produce 16,949 meals-worth of food for families facing hardship this winter.

The money was raised by Tesco Winter Food Collection donations made in the retailer’s supermarkets and Express branches, with hundreds of volunteers helping at the stores in the run-up to the Christmas holidays.

All donations have gone to the charities FareShare, with which the Free Press has a partnership, and Trussell, which predicts its foodbanks will need to give out an emergency food parcel every 10 seconds this winter to meet the need.

Donations to Trussell help foodbanks provide emergency food parcels while FareShare supports front-line local charities in their communities.

Tesco UK chief executive Ashwin Prasad said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Tesco customers.

“Every item donated helps to make a huge impact in communities supported by Trussell and FareShare.”

FareShare chief executive Kris Gibbon-Walsh said: “Once again, the generosity of Tesco customers at the winterfood collection has been humbling.

“At a time when many people are forced to choose between keeping warm and eating, demand for these local charities’ services is higher than ever.

“The food we can provide thanks to the winter food collection makes a real difference, helping to bring people together, strengthen communities and support those in need.”

Trussell co-chief executive Matthew van Duyvenbode said: “We are so grateful to Tesco for supporting our community of foodbanks through the coldest season by organising the annual winter food collection.

“When we all play our part, we can end hunger for good.”

With both charities requiring ongoing support, local shoppers in Somerset can continue to donate food at permanent collection points at every Tesco store or make a donation at their online shop until the end of February.

Donations can also be made here.