It's the season of kindness – and giving a helping hand.

And now Tesco wants to encourage us all to care about our communities – and the families living there. Earlier this week, the supermarket giant launched this year's Annual Christmas Food Appeal, in partnership with FoodCloud, encouraging shoppers to donate items which will go to good causes in local communities and around the country this weekend. Now in its seventh year, the annual appeal will take place across 94 Tesco Extra and Superstores this Friday, 4 Saturday 5, and Sunday 6 of  December and invites customers to purchase just one additional food or household item when they shop in-store this weekend. “We are acutely aware of the difficulties that this year has caused for so many and for the organisations who work to support those less fortunate," explains Rosemary Garth, Communications Director, Tesco Ireland. "At Tesco, we are delighted to still be able to host our annual Christmas Food Appeal in partnership with FoodCloud to provide much-needed food and household items for those that need it most. This year, we have over 130 partner causes ready to collect and distribute donated items to those in local communities right across the country. Every year, our customers show incredible generosity by selflessly doing their bit to support members of their local communities.” Broadcaster and campaign ambassador Ruth Scott, who helped launch the campaign this week, explains: “I am delighted to be involved in the Tesco Christmas Food Appeal this year and support those in the community who are less fortunate. As we prepare for Christmas that may look a little different this year, by coming together and supporting those around us who need it most, we can all play a small part to make a big difference. If everyone who visits a Tesco store this weekend donates just one item, just imagine the impact we could have.” As part of the appeal, Tesco has created a special ‘shopping list’ of suitable items, that will be on display at the entrance of each participating store. Non-perishable foods are vital for local good causes, with tea bags, pasta and rice, breakfast cereals and tinned goods most suitable. The Tesco Christmas Appeal also welcomes household necessities such as toiletries, nappies, small clothing items and toys. Items donated also go towards supporting the vulnerable in our local communities. Customers are encouraged to pick up just one additional item and donate it to the Christmas Appeal Trolley which will be clearly marked at the front entrance as they leave the store. The following items are a guide for shoppers planning to donate products in their local Tesco store: ∙         Teabags & instant coffee ∙         Biscuits ∙         Sugar ∙         Breakfast cereals ∙         Tinned goods (vegetables, fruit, fish, meat) ∙         Pasta & pasta sauces ∙         Rice & rice pudding ∙         Soft drinks ∙         Sweet treats ∙         Selection boxes ∙         Christmas cake ∙         Toiletries ∙         Nappies ∙         Toys ∙         Clothes ∙         Cleaning products All the items donated during the appeal across Tesco stores will be distributed to over 130 partner causes from the Tesco surplus food donations programme, operated in partnership with FoodCloud. Iseult Ward CEO of FoodCloud said: “We are so grateful to Tesco and its customers for once again supporting the Tesco Christmas Food Appeal. At FoodCloud, our mission has always been to bring communities together through food while reducing food waste. More and more charities have been seeking our services since the start of the pandemic and every donation will help support families in need in their local communities.”