Julian Smith visited Tesco in Skipton on Friday to hear about their community grant scheme, Bags of Help, and some of the other work they do to support the local area. Bags of Help is Tesco’s scheme to distribute the money it raises from the 5p bag charge to support local projects, which can range from improving community buildings and outdoor spaces to buying new equipment, training coaches or volunteers and hosting community events. The scheme is administered by Groundwork, an environmental charity who work across the UK helping communities.

Mr Smith also spoke with Alex, who works at the Skipton store and is their Community Champion. Alex told the local MP about some of the projects she is involved with, including the Horton Community Café at St Andrew’s Hall and the foodbank at Skipton Baptist Church.

Linda, who also works in the Skipton store, runs the Eat Happy Project, which aims to help children build a healthier, happier relationship with food. Linda has worked with many schools in the area, arranging visits and activities for children.

Lastly, Julian Smith heard from Ady about Tesco’s partnership with FareShare, which forms part of its commitment to reducing food waste by ensuring surplus food within its supply chain is used to feed people.

Julian Smith said: ‘It was fantastic to see how Linda, Alex and other workers at Tesco in Skipton are doing such fantastic work to help the local community. They are putting in this effort on top of their day jobs to help many groups of people, from charities to school children, and they deserve a lot of credit for what they do. I am grateful to Claire, the store manager, for organising a great visit.’

More information about Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme and how to apply for funding can be found at: tesco.com/carrier-bags/