AS part of the company’s National Food Collection, Crediton Tesco collected recently for the Crediton Foodbank and other South West charities across three days with great support from the Crediton community.

The local Superstore set up its collection at the entrance/exit with a display to attract the interest of shoppers as they entered the store and a donation table for items or produce as they left.

The recent collection yet again highlighted how hard it has been for some local families during the pandemic year with many being furloughed, and in extreme circumstances made redundant, in addition to the charities regular activities in and around the Crediton area.

Chris Parsons, Crediton Foodbank Co-ordinator, welcomed the collection and the timely donations that came with it, stating, "It has certainly been a tough year and we are so grateful to Tesco for all their support and also to all their customers who have been so generous in donating both food and money.”

Chris added: “The numbers shown in the table are not just figures; they are individuals with lives and stories, many of whom have experienced even tougher times this year.

“Many are desperately trying to change their situations for the better and do not want to be using a Foodbank and these are the people we can help the most.  Thank you everyone for your continuing support."

The three-day event was the first opportunity for new Store Manager, Simon Harding, to see how the Crediton community rallies around those in need and he was very impressed with the number and generosity of donations that came in.

He said: “It’s always interesting when you take over a new store to see how our customers engage with events such as this and, I have to say, I’m delighted with the response from the Crediton public in helping those that require a little help at this time.”

He continued: “The last year to 18 months has really tested all of us for so many reasons but to see how people who have had a tough time themselves still have the kindness and community spirit to recognise that others have been worse off than them is an inspiring sight.”

He concluded by saying: “I’d like to thank every single customer that provided a donation, however small or large. Thank you also to our colleagues that have volunteered to organise, man and sort the donations provided.

“Lastly, thank you to Crediton Foodbank. The work that they do is essential in making sure that, whatever their circumstances, local people and families in need are getting a helping hand when they need it.”

With the dedicated collection now finished, it doesn’t mean that the work, or indeed the need for donations has finished.

The store’s Community Champion, Andrew Drayton, was quick to remind us that the stores permanent collection point remains at the store for year-round donations, saying “it’s unfortunate that, even after the success of the collection event, the need for items continues, as many individuals and families try to get themselves back on their feet.”

He continued: “The last year has highlighted how precarious the situations for some are, how easy it is to slip to a place where you have to wonder how you are going to manage.

“We work closely with Crediton Foodbank and support them wherever and whenever we can and the permanent collection point, situated by the checkouts as you leave the store, will be a continuing feature and any and all donations are always very gratefully received.”

If you didn’t have the chance to donate at the actual Food Collection event and would like to support Crediton Foodbank via their collection point they will always receive the following items: coffee, sugar, cereal, jam, jars of cooking sauces for pasta and curries, rice pudding, custard, tinned fruit, tinned tuna, ham, corned beef, tomatoes, baked beans, carrots, peas, green beans, sweetcorn and tinned meat meals such as stew, chilli, casserole and curries.