TESCO has celebrated reaching a milestone of donating 220 million meals to those in need, thanking the Basingstoke community for their support.

This feat is part of the supermarket's 12-year partnership with food charity FareShare, through its Community Food Connection.

For years, the scheme has seen around 18 million meals’ worth of surplus food from Tesco stores donated in the region alone.

With the aid of volunteers, community groups, and Tesco employees, the partnership continues to assist charities, community groups and food banks.

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This orchestrated effort reduces food waste while helping to ease poverty.

Matthew Barnes, UK CEO of Tesco, said: "Tesco is immensely proud of its partnership with FareShare and the fantastic achievement of donating 220 million meals over the last 12 years.

"None of this could have been done without the passion, determination and drive of the countless people in places such as Basingstoke who have contributed to it, and it is to them today that we say a big thank you.

"But the hard work doesn’t stop here. While this is a momentous milestone, we remain committed to partnering with FareShare as we work towards our goal of halving food waste and getting more good food to people."