TESCO's in Worcester can now take part in the supermarket's nationwide scheme to help disadvantaged children this summer, as they aim to feed 3 million mouths across the country.

The Buy One to Help A Child scheme is now available in Worcester stores, with the food retailer vowing to donate to charity, FareShare, every time a customer buys fresh fruit or vegetables. The scheme started on July 19 and will be available to participate in till August 8.

Lindsay Boswell CBE, FareShare cheif executive, said it would help the food redistributor supply thousands of groups working with children and families across the UK.

He said: "In the last year, FareShare has doubled the amount of food we’re providing to people struggling to get enough to eat. While the lockdown may be easing, we know that food insecurity remains high. That’s why we are so pleased to see Tesco and its customers helping us to support children who need it. It will make a huge difference to so many people that have been affected by the pandemic."

Tesco, who are a member of the Child Poverty Task Force, formed by Marcus Rashford, are launching the scheme after last year's 29 million meal success. Currently, 2.3 million children in the UK live in households that have experienced food insecurity in the last six months, a situation that has worsened during the pandemic.

Marcus Rashford MBE, said: "We all have a role to play in the community and I’m so grateful to Tesco for stepping up to support vulnerable children and families through a difficult time. Whilst collectively we have made progress, numbers are continuing to rise of children going without meals.

"The Buy One to Help a Child campaign will make a huge difference to the thousands of families who are struggling at the moment to put food on the table."

The three-week campaign aims to provide up to three million meals for to redistribute to charities and local community groups supporting children.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and ROI CEO, said: "We wanted to find a really simple way to do our bit and help our customers do the same. We hope Buy One to Help A Child will encourage healthier choices for our customers at the same time as helping to feed children who need it most, so we can continue to help support the communities in which we live and work."

Tesco will donate food of equivalent value to the donation raised through the following charitable promotion to FareShare (charity no 1100051): based upon 2p donation for every individual and multipack of fresh fruit & veg (excluding pre-prepared fruit and veg) sold before 09/08. Average meal weight 420g.

A meal is determined in weight as per the industry recognised standard - 420g. This is a WRAP definition recognised by FareShare and other charities.

As well as on packs, the donation will apply to purchases of single pieces of fruit and veg, for example an avocado.