04-07-2025
Kids eat free in Dumfries and Galloway Tesco stores during summer holidays
The move is one of a number of steps the supermarket giant is taking to help out families as part of its Stronger Starts programme.
Kids can eat for free in Dumfries and Galloway Tesco stores during the summer holidays.
It's one of a number of steps the supermarket giant is taking to help out families as part of its Stronger Starts programme.
The retailer is taking action to ensure children who would normally receive free school meals during term time don't miss out during the holidays.
One free kids meal will be on offer with each item an adult buys in a Tesco cafe, providing they show their Clubcard or Clubcard App at the till.
Tesco – which has two supermarkets in Dumfries as well as shops in Castle Douglas, Annan, Kirkcudbright, Lockerbie and Stranraer – is also selling pre-packed food donation bags, usually costing between £2 and £3, in all large stores.
These can be picked up and paid for at the checkout, with the donated food going to directly to the FareShare and Trussell charities.
They will then distribute it to charities and food banks to help families who need it most across the UK.
Schools running holiday breakfast and lunch clubs during the holidays that also take part in Tesco's Fruit and Vet for Schools programme will be given £200 gift cards.
And between August 25 and 31, shoppers can round up their bill to the nearest pound, with funds being split between FareShare and Trussell.
Head of communities at Tesco, Claire De Silva, said: 'Too often, families with too little support during the holidays worry about their children's physical and mental health, particularly if they're not getting the good food every child deserves.
'If we all pull together over the summer, whether that's popping a few tins into a food collection point, picking up a food donation bag in our stores or rounding up our grocery bill, we can make a difference to the lives of thousands of children, who, without support, could have a tough summer holiday.'
Trussell CEO, Emma Revie, added: 'We are extremely grateful to our partner Tesco and excited for this year's in-store summer activities, making it easier for people to support their local food bank throughout the holidays.
'It's not right that so many families with children can't afford to eat balanced meals. Our community of food banks distributed more than one million parcels for children last year, illustrating the unacceptable levels of hardship so many families are currently facing.
'No-one should need to turn to a charity for something as essential as food, and as we work towards achieving the long-term change needed, Tesco's support this summer will make a real difference to families across the UK.'
CEO of FareShare, Kris Gibbon-Walsh, said: 'During the school holidays, families across the UK will be facing financial pressures as they juggle the cost of childcare and food and turning to their local community and charities for support.
'The food that we provide doesn't just feed people, it provides a gateway to other services and activities that will help countless children to play, have fun and make friends this summer.
'That's why the donation bags in Tesco stores are vital. Any Tesco shoppers that can donate an item or two to FareShare will be making a big difference to children and families this summer.'
