In an effort to reduce food waste and support communities facing rising living costs, Tesco will begin a trial in a small number of its Express stores where customers can collect expiring "yellow sticker" items for free after 21:30. According to a company statement, the process will prioritize offering the food first to local charities and shop workers before it becomes available to the general public.
Tesco, which already donates surplus food to charities and food banks, aims to further halve its food waste as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. The supermarket chain, holding a 27.8% share of the UK market with 3,700 stores nationally, hopes that this direct-to-customer approach will complement existing measures and help tackle food insecurity an issue that has affected over seven million people in the UK.
The trial comes at a time when inflation has increased the cost of staples such as meat, eggs, and cereals, while households also face higher energy and water bills. Tesco’s initiative is expected to not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also to provide some financial relief to consumers, as the rising cost of living has forced many households to rely on food banks.
Further details on the specific locations and start date of the trial have yet to be announced, but Tesco is optimistic that the initiative will help the company make significant progress toward its goal of cutting food waste by 50% this year.
