AS part of its Stronger Starts programme, Tesco stores in Somerset are asking customers to round up their weekly shop to the nearest pound at the checkout during one week in July and another in August, with all funds donated being split between two charities – The Trussell Trust and FareShare.

According to a survey from Tesco, 31 per cent of families in south west England are worried about feeding their children during the school holidays. Shoppers in the area are being asked to support a campaign that ensures kids get the nutritional food their bodies need this summer.

Launched in 2023, Tesco Stronger Starts is a £5 million grant programme, in partnership with Groundwork UK, that boosts funds for extra food and activity equipment to give children across the UK a stronger start in life.

The grants help schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing. For example, breakfast clubs or snacks, and equipment for physical activities.

Claire De Silva, head of communities at Tesco, said: “Too often families with little support during the holidays see their holidays miss out on the good stuff every child deserves – not just for their physical health but their mental wellbeing as well.

“If we all pull together over the coming months, whether that’s popping a few tins into a food collection point, picking up a food donation bag in our stores or rounding up our grocery bill, we can make a difference to the lives of thousands of children, who, without support, could have a tough summer holiday.”

Pressure on family finances this summer may also see children become less active and more isolated during school holidays, with 37 per cent of families in the region saying their children will miss out on clubs and activities during the holidays because of the cost.

Emma Revie, CEO at the Trussell Trust said: “We are extremely grateful to Tesco for their generous donation and are excited to partner them to launch these in-store summer activities, making it easier for people to support their local food bank throughout the holidays.”

George Wright, chief executive at FareShare, said: “During the school holidays, many families across the UK struggle without the regular access to school meals, leading them to turn to local groups for support. This results in a surge in food demand.

“This generous donation from Tesco will ensure we continue providing vital support to charities that rely on FareShare food to strengthen their local communities this summer.”

Alongside the Stronger Starts programme, Tesco will expand its pre-packed customer donation bags to all large stores in Somerset. The bags, which usually cost between £2 and £3, are pre-filled with healthy and nutritious long-life items that can be picked up in any store and paid for at the checkout.