Reading East MP Matt Rodda visited a local Tesco store on Friday to support a food collection scheme for people in need this Christmas.

Tesco stores across the UK are taking part in the annual Food Collection, which encourages shoppers to donate long-life foods to help charities FareShare and The Trussell Trust support people who might otherwise go hungry this Christmas.

Matt met with volunteers manning the collection point and handing out lists to shoppers of the most-needed items at the Tesco Extra in Napier Road, Reading.

Matt said: “I was happy to visit a local Tesco store and support the Food Collection in support of FareShare. It was great to see the generosity of so many local people donating to help others in the community who are in need.”

Tesco UK & Ireland CEO Jason Tarry said: “Tesco Food Collection scheme is the UK’s biggest Christmas food collection, and at Tesco we are glad to be playing our part in helping people in need this Christmas. We know that the items that our customers donate can make a real difference to people who really need that little bit of extra help this year.”

Emma Revie, Chief Executive at The Trussell Trust said: “Foodbanks across the country will be doing all they can to provide the best possible emergency support so people don’t go hungry – but to make sure we’re prepared for what could be our busiest December yet, our network needs your support.

Lindsay Boswell, CEO at FareShare said: “For charities doing their best to feed some of the most vulnerable over the Christmas period, these donations make a huge difference. What’s more, Tesco will top-up your donation by 20% which enables our charity to help more and more people in need.”