VOLUNTEERS are needed to help out with a supermarket campaign to donate food to the needy, hosted by a major retailer.

The annual Tesco Food Collection is one of the UK’s biggest collections for people in need.

Charities the Trussell Trust and FareShare are urging residents to help out from November 21-23 in Tesco’s store in Fullbridge to encourage shoppers to donate.

Last year, 3.5 million meals were collected as part of the scheme and since its launch in 2012, more than 50 million meals have been donated by customers.

Volunteers are needed to hand out shopping lists to customers so they can see the food items most needed by food banks and community groups in their area and to encourage people to donate.

Trussell Trust boss Emma Revie said: “No-one should need a food bank at any time of year, but we know during the lead-up to Christmas our network of food banks see even more people needing help.

“Food banks will be doing all they can to provide vital emergency support, so people don’t face hunger this Christmas.

“Having your support in this year’s Tesco Food Collection will make a real difference.

“The more people who volunteer, the more food will be collected from generous shoppers, and the better prepared food banks will be to help local people.”

For details, visit fareshare.org.uk/tescofoodcollection.