As part of its commitment to reducing food waste, a major UK supermarket chain is launching an innovative initiative. In the coming months, Tesco plans to distribute products nearing their expiration date at no cost to shoppers in select smaller stores after 9:30 PM. This move builds on existing efforts where such items are already provided to charitable organizations and employee teams. The trial aims to further align with the company's decade-long objective of slashing food waste by half.
Tesco's spokesperson revealed that the program will kick off in a limited number of Express outlets across Britain, though exact locations and dates have yet to be disclosed. Before reaching customers, these soon-to-expire goods will first be offered to charities and staff members. With a market share of nearly 28% and thousands of stores worldwide, Tesco leads the British grocery sector. Although all leading supermarket chains collaborate with food banks and offer significant discounts on perishable items, Tesco’s direct-to-customer approach marks a pioneering step within the industry.
In response to rising living costs and inflation, initiatives like this one can provide much-needed relief for many families struggling with food insecurity. Recent data indicates over seven million individuals faced food shortages last year, reflecting a troubling increase from previous figures. Meanwhile, Tesco continues to report robust sales performance, buoyed by what it describes as its most successful holiday season ever. Despite minor fluctuations in stock prices, the company remains steadfast in its mission to minimize environmental impact while addressing societal needs through creative solutions.