Tesco opens reverse supermarket
Tesco has launched its first-ever “reverse supermarket” – The Give Back Express – where shoppers are able to donate food as part of an ongoing partnership with FareShare and the Trussell Trust. Between them, the charities expect to provide support to more than 1.2 million people in food poverty this winter. Located on London’s Poland Street, The Give Back Express is open from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 November, and all money raised will help support communities right across the UK.
The pop-up supermarket invites customers to purchase and donate the 25 products most needed by the charities, including tinned food, tea and toiletries. The value of everything they buy will then be donated directly to food redistribution networks on their behalf, with Tesco matching the value of all goods purchased at the store. Passers-by can also scan a QR code located outside the store to make a monetary donation through their Clubcard vouchers, or via a simple online form.
The initiative marks the 10th anniversary of the supermarket giant’s ongoing partnership with FareShare and the Trussell Trust, which has seen customers donating 100 million meals to communities across the UK during that time.
Tesco CEO Ken Murphy said: “This winter will be increasingly challenging for many people facing food uncertainty, and food banks and frontline charities need our help more than ever before. Whether it’s at the Give Back Express; in your local store through our annual Food Collection; or via your Clubcard points online, even the smallest donation can make a real difference and help to spread a little more Christmas joy this year.”
The supermarket’s annual pre-Christmas Food Collection drive will also be running from Monday 28 November to Saturday 3rd December. Customers can donate products in their local store, either via a charity donation at the checkout, or by purchasing a pre-packaged donation bag full of essentials. Tesco will top up the value of donations made during the Food Collection by a further 20%.
