Dorset shoppers are urged to support a local food drive to help meet the tough demand during the winter months.

FareShare and the Trussell Trust are expecting their “busiest winter yet” as both charities are facing record levels of need throughout the festive season and New Year, with many Dorset people expected to need help from the charities.

In response to such demand, Tesco will be running food collections in Dorset Express stores until December 2 and in large stores from November 30 to December 2.

The top 10 most-needed items required from Dorset shoppers are – UHT & powered milk, tinned meat and fish, sponge/rice pudding, long-life fruit juice, cooking/pasta sauces, tinned vegetables, tinned and dried soup, pasta, rice and noodles, cereal and porridge, tea and coffee.

Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said: “Over the last 10 years our generous customers have helped donate over 100 million meals to communities across the UK.

"Whether it’s in your local store through the Winter Food Collection or via your Clubcard points online, even the smallest donation can make a real difference to someone else’s Christmas.”

The Trussell Trust is expecting to distribute more than 1 million emergency food parcels between December and February and have reported that 320,000 people have needed to access a food bank for the first time in the past six months.

Meanwhile, FareShare estimates more than 28,000 tonnes of food will be redistributed this winter, which is the equivalent of over 68 million meals, up by more than 42% compared to last year.

George Wright, FareShare Chief Executive, said: “Over the last decade, Tesco has supplied more than 250million meals to FareShare, more than any other organisation in our history. As we prepare for another challenging winter ahead, the items we collect play a crucial part in our efforts to get food to the communities that need it most.

“If you’re able to donate just one item at your local store, you’ll be helping to provide a meal for someone facing hunger this winter.”

For more information about the food drive can be found on the Trussel Trust and FareShare websites.