Failsworth store provides more than 59,000 meals to the local community

The Tesco Extra store in Failsworth is celebrating the impact it has made in the local community, having provided 59,747 meals worth of surplus food to local groups since it started working alongside FareShare in 2012.

Rose Knipe, Community Champion at Failsworth Extra, reflected on the store's commitment to community, saying that its contributions are extremely important to local groups.

On top of the food, distributed through food charity FareShare, as part of the Tesco Community Food Connection scheme, Tesco Failsworth has also pledged their support to organisations across the area through contributions of care hampers, local litter picks, and cash donations, amongst numerous other services.

Rose said: “What we do here at the store has a real personal touch.

"I keep in regular contact with local organisations and charities to try and support them every way we can, whether that’s donating anything from food items to clothing to health care.

“Nothing goes to waste in our store, I try to give everything I can to our local charities.

"Even if it’s just donating surplus envelopes to a local nursery for children to draw on, every little really does help.”

Since taking on the role of Community Champion in 2013, Rose has made a local name for herself thanks to her passion for supporting others.

In January 2021, Rose even received a coveted Mayor’s Appreciation Award in recognition of her outstanding community support and charitable work to the people across the Borough.

Rose added: “No two days as a Community Champion are the same, but one thing never changes, and that’s the rewarding feeling of being able to offer support to those who need it.

“The role has evolved tenfold since I first started, and we are now able to support dozens of groups at a time thanks to Tesco and its generous customers.

"Whether donating our time, products, or monies, there’s always a way we try to help.”

Throughout the last year, Tesco Failsworth has supported numerous local community groups including Acorn Lodge Care Home, Maggie’s Cancer Centre, Salvation Army, Oldham Sea Cadets, Manchester Children’s Hospital, and Royal Oldham Hospital.

Looking back at the store’s past year of giving, Rose said: “The pandemic has really shone a light onto the importance of selflessness and supporting the local community.

"We are so proud of the aid we have been able to offer to local organisations, both big and small, and we are excited to see what opportunities there are for us to continue our efforts as we edge back towards normality.”

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