Sainsbury’s is trialling a food donation program at selected stores this weekend in a bid to help increase food supply for struggling community charity groups.
Under the scheme, shoppers will be able to add one extra item – from a suggested list – to their baskets or trolleys, which will then be distributed to local community projects for the homeless and disadvantaged by food poverty charity FareShare.
The move comes after research by FareShare found that 40 per cent of local community projects that rely on food donations are struggling to meet demand from needy families and individuals.
Roger Burnley, Sainsbury’s retail and logistics director, said: “The food we donate to FareShare tends to be fresh produce as this has the shortest shelf life. However, to make a nutritious meal, you need more than just fresh food, which is why we would like to give customers the opportunity to donate store cupboard items through this unique trial.”
Lindsay Boswell, chief executive of FareShare, commented: “At a time of severe economic hardship, we are seeing unprecedented and increasing demand for food donations. We are highlighting the issue to encourage the food industry and the general public to increase their support.”
“The tough economic climate is impacting everyone. But by adding a single packet of rice, or one bag of sugar to the weekly shop donated to us during this trial, Sainsbury’s customers will be making an enormous difference to our ability to support hungry and vulnerable people in their area with healthy and nutritious food .”
The food donation trial kicked off today (July 8) and will run until Sunday 10 July at 19 Sainsburys supermarkets . If successful, the scheme could be rolled out across stores nationwide.
