TESCO is the latest supermarket to start giving its surplus food to charity.

The food giant is now supporting five local charities as part of its Community Food Connection programme.

Among those to benefit will be Milford Haven-based poverty relief charity Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship (PATCH).

PATCH works on a referral basis, to provide food, clothing, and household item to individuals and families who cannot afford basic essentials.

It relies on donations from the community and local businesses, and Tesco’s support follows donations from Aldi – which has been supporting PATCH for more than a year, Marks and Spencer, and Morrisons.

Rob Mc Dougall, Tesco Haverfordwest store manager, said it was a huge ‘privilege’ to be able to help local people in need by supporting PATCH, as well as Frame, Haverfordwest food bank, Pembrokeshire People First, and Mind.

Tracy Olin, PATCH co-ordinator, said Tesco’s donations were vital in helping keep the charity’s store cupboards full, and enabling it to continue helping hundreds of local families.

Among its most recent referrals was a mum-of-three, who had fled domestic violence.

“This family had been moved into a new home that was completely empty,” said Tracy.

“They had to leave everything in their previous property and because of Pembrokeshire people donating to PATCH we could help this family and may others like them.

“She was incredibly grateful for all the clothing, household items and food we gave, she cried because of the generosity.

“We gave the children Easter eggs, and they were over the moon as hadn't received any at Easter time.

“When we gave the mum flowers you would have thought we had given her the best gift ever.”

As well as a continued need for food and household essentials, PATCH also needs more volunteer drivers, to pick up donations and deliver them to the charity’s base.

If you can help in any way, visit patchcharity.org.uk, or call 01646 699275.