FOOD COLLECTIONS . . . donations of food from Tesco stores in Lockerbie, Annan and Peel Centre, Dumfries, are going to First Base to help their food parcel distribution scheme. Pictured are Mark Frankland from First Base, Joan McAlpine and Tesco community champion Robyn Brown
MSP Joan McAlpine has praised the initiative for ensuring donations at local Tesco stores at Lockerbie, Annan and Peel Centre, Dumfries, go to the local food bank First Base.
Ms McAlpine visited Tesco’s Peel Centre store to thank community champion Robyn Brown for ensuring all the donations made at the Tesco annual drive went to First Base, which has been distributing food parcels in Dumfries and surrounding communities for several years. During the recent collection, 3000 items were donated by local customers.
Robyn said: “It is lovely seeing the community come together.”
While at the store, Ms McAlpine bought the equivalent of a First Base food parcel, which came to £13.11.
She said: “There was some disquiet about a year ago when it was discovered that food collections in local stores didn’t go to local charities.
“I am absolutely delighted that Tesco have challenged that policy. Now all donations in
the Peel Centre, Annan and Lockerbie stores go directly to First Base, which distribute
food parcels to Dumfries and the surrounding communities, including outreach to
Mid and Upper Nithsdale.
“Although Tesco’s Christmas collection is now finished, individuals can still donate to First Base food bank. In particular, they need things like instant pasta, Pot Noodles,
bread, UHT milk and pasta sauce.”
Mark Frankland said: “In the last five years the First Base Food bank has had to deal
with a spectacular increase in demand. One thousand emergency food parcels each year has become 5000 which represents a total of £200,000 of extra food.
“We couldn’t possible have afforded to buy this food in. We are hugely grateful to the
three local Tesco stores.”
