The UK’s biggest food collection is calling for volunteers to support charities.

With food banks and charities facing high levels of need this winter, people are being urged to volunteer their time for the UK's largest food donation drive.

The 12th annual Tesco Winter Food Collection is set to take place in all Tesco stores from November 28 to November 30.

Tesco's charity partners, Trussell and FareShare, are seeking individuals to volunteer in stores for the event, as both charities continue to provide essential support amid record levels of demand.

Customers will be encouraged to donate long-life food during the collection, with all contributions aiding the ongoing work of the charities.

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Donations to Trussell will help their network of food banks provide emergency food parcels to those unable to afford basic necessities, while donations to FareShare will assist their network of 8,000 local charities and community groups in feeding communities across the UK.

Tesco is urging volunteers to take part at collection points in store, speaking to customers and raising awareness of the significant impact each donation can have on people across the UK, who rely on Trussell and FareShare for food.

Trussell chief executive Emma Revie said: “Last year was really hard for food banks but the support of Tesco, it’s customers and the Food Collection volunteers meant that food banks could be there for people facing hunger in their local community.

"But right now, we urgently need your help to make sure food banks can be there for people this winter and you can play your part by volunteering at the Tesco Food Collection.”

Claire De Silva, head of community at Tesco, said: "We know that they give even more generously when we have volunteers in our stores helping them to choose the right items that are needed."