A big THANKYOU from Tesco Formby for the huge amount of food donated in foodbank appeal

Thousands of meals were handed out to people in need over Christmas after generous Tesco customers donated huge amounts of food at the foodbank appeal. Local MP Bill Esterson popped in to offer his support to the cause. Bill said: "Every single can of food helps, so please give what you can." The foodbank scheme ran until December 2nd. Shoppers were asked to donate long-life items to help people in need with Tesco topping up the value of the customer donations by 20%.

The foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust foodbank network. Samantha Stapley, head of operations at Trussell Trust said: "Our foodbank network has spent the last month making sure that people referred to them with no money for food don't go hungry this Christmas. This work has been made possible due to the incredible generosity of Tesco customers, store collegues and volunteers during the Food Collection. Thankyou for your support - Your generosity has stopped hunger this Christmas."

A spokesperson from Tesco Formby said: "We Would like to say a massive thankyou to all our amazing customers for donating such a huge amount of food for our foodbank appeal. Well done to all the volunteers who worked so hard and gave up their spare time to ensure such a successful collection. Tesco will donate an extra 20% on top of the donations. You can still donate all year round at our collection point at the checkouts. Thankyou from Tesco Formby."

A spokesperson from The Trussell Trust said: "We’re thrilled to announce the 2017 Tesco Food Collection yielded over 3 million meals worth of food for people in need, making a real difference to people facing hunger in the UK right now. A huge thanks to Tesco, FareShare, the volunteers, foodbanks and the generous customers who donated."

The Neighbourhood Food Collection is part of Tesco ongoing effort to encourage customers to donate long-life food to charity.

Tesco have teamed up with two charity partners – The Trussell Trust and FareShare – support a wide range of people in the UK who find themselves in desperate need of support. There are many reasons why people find themselves in this situation, from receiving an unexpected bill when on a low income to being alone and struggling to fight an addiction.

Foodbank by Trussell Trust:

Emergency food and support for people in crisis -

Trussell Trust foodbanks provide three days of emergency food to individuals and families in crisis. Frontline, professional agencies like the Citizen's Advice Bureau and children centres refer people who are facing a crisis to their local foodbank.

People visiting foodbanks are welcomed, listened to and signposted to other services that are able to provide further support, helping to break the cycle of poverty.

By donating food you can help support local people in crisis in a simple practical way.

FareShare - Fighting hunger, tackling food waste:

FareShare rescues good food which would otherwise go to waste and redistributes it to charities like women's refuges, homeless shelters and children's breakfast clubs. Most of this food is fresh so you're playing a vital part in helping us feed people by donating store-cupboard staples.

Last year we provided varied, nutritious food to over 1,900 charities and community projects, who turned it into 15.3 million meals.

Each charity saves on average £13,000 per year, which can be reinvested into other support services to help get people back on their feet.