SHOPPERS cleared Tesco out of potatoes, as they backed Swindon Foodbank’s Christmas appeal.

Staff at the Ocotal Way store were forced to hunt for more supplies, after staff and volunteers for the foodbank handed people a “shopping list” of must-have items.

The supermarket is again backing Swindon Foodbank, asking shoppers to buy a little extra this Christmas and leave it in collection baskets.

Cher Smith, manager of Swindon Foodbank, said: “Swindon people are very, very generous.

“I think people are beginning to realise there are people living on the breadline here in our town.

“They realise it could be them.”

Last week, Swindon Foodbank volunteers joined staff from Tesco at the front entrance of their Ocotal Way store.

They asked shoppers to buy food items like tinned tomatoes, puddings and potatoes.

Foodbank manager Cher added: “We’re getting some lovely extras in as well."

These more unusual items - like coconut milk and lentils - will go into the "extras boxes" at each of the foodbank's distribution centres.

“It’s for people who want something a little different, so they can take it,” Cher said.

Michelle Hobbs, community champion at Tesco Ocotal Way, said: “The donations that have been given today have been fantastic. It’s helping a lot of people in need in the community.

“There are vulnerable people out there, people who can’t afford to live.

“People have come in today and donated food because they’ve used the foodbank themselves in the past.”

Nationally, Tesco is supporting foodbank charity the Trussell Trust.

Matt Davies, the retailer’s chief executive, said: “I’m always amazed and humbled by the generosity of our customers at Christmas time with the support they give to our Food Collection.

“Last year, we provided more than four million meals-worth of food to help people in need through our different schemes and this year hope to provide even more support with every little helps like donating £1 for every fresh turkey purchased.”

The Trussell Trust’s Samantha Stapley added: “Foodbanks across the country will be doing all they can to provide emergency support so people don’t go hungry. But to make sure we’re prepared for what could be our busiest December yet, our network needs your support.”

The Adver is urging shoppers to support Swindon Foodbank by buying a little extra this Christmas.

You can donate food, toiletries and other Christmas goodies by leaving them at the Swindon Advertiser’s Victoria Road office or at any of the Swindon Foodbank’s donation points at larger supermarkets.

By taping a £1 coin to the top of food donations you can also help the foodbank cover its costs.

To get support from Swindon Foodbank, call 01793 686510 or visit one of their centres. Full details are available at swindon.foodbank.org.uk