Two charities working to tackle food poverty are to benefit from a Christmas promotion being run by Tesco’s.

The retailer will donate 10p from every gingerbread product sold in store during the festive season to food bank charity Trussell and Fareshare, which redistributes surplus food to 8,000 local charities and groups.

The donation is triggered when one of 18 different types of gingerbread products are sold until Christmas Day. Money raised will be split equally between the two charities.

"We are incredibly grateful to Tesco for a brilliant festive fundraising opportunity for Fareshare” said the charity's chief executive Kris Gibbon-Walsh.

“All funds raised through the purchase of gingerbread items at Tesco will help us to get good food to charities and community groups across the UK providing meals and bringing people together this winter."

Sophie Carre, director of public engagement at Trussell added: “We are extremely grateful to Tesco for donating 10p to Trussell from the sale of gingerbread products this winter.

“Whether you buy a kit to build a gingerbread house with your family or treat yourself to a pack of festive biscuits, every purchase made will help to support our work to end hunger in the UK.

“Food banks are facing an extremely tough winter but, thanks to the generosity of Tesco and its customers, they will be able to be there for anyone facing hardship in their community.”

Tesco’s is running the campaign as it has made gingerbread part of its promotional activity leading up to Christmas across its advertising.

The retailer’s chief commercial officer Ashwin Prasad said: “Gingerbread is a great tradition of Christmas for many, as is helping others.”

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