Food for thought
MSP supports neighbourhood collection
Hamilton councillor and Central Scotland Labour MSP Monica Lennon has given her support to the annual Tesco Neighbourhood Food Collection during a visit to the Express Store on Low Waters Road.
She was there to find out more about this year’s collection and donate to the annual winter food drive.
The Neighbourhood Food Collection takes place in partnership with food redistribution charity Fareshare and foodbank charity The Trussell Trust.
Ms Lennon said: “I was glad to be able to participate in this year’s Neighbourhood Food Collection at Tesco Express in Hamilton.
“Cruel benefits sanctions and in-work poverty are pushing people into food poverty, a problem which is real and growing across Hamilton and Lanarkshire.
“Many of my constituents find themselves unable to meet the cost of even the most basic needs. No-one in a wealthy nation like Scotland should have to go hungry in 2016.
“Tesco’s partnership with Fareshare and Trussell Trust is an initiative that helps support those most in need and, especially at this time of year, I’d encourage anyone who is able to give what they can to help this drive or visit their local foodbank charities to donate some supplies.”
Tesco customers are provided with a shopping list as they enter the store, highlighting items that are most needed.
“They can then purchase these and drop them at the collection point as they leave. The company tops up customer donations by 20 per cent – this money helps the charities grow and provide additional support to people in need, and means Tesco doesn’t profit from items customers purchase to donate.”