The annual Tesco three-day campaign to support the Isle of Man Foodbank was launched yesterday (Thursday) by Douglas Mayor Debbie Pitts, in Tesco’s Douglas store.

Foodbank director Neal Mellon said: ’Please support us by buying an extra item or two and you go round the store and stop for a chat with the volunteers on the stand.’

Fellow director Jane Foxon added: ’Last December the donations helped us to spread some Christmas cheer to our clients and to restock to take us through to summer.

’During 2017 we have experienced times of both plenty and of almost bare shelves. It can be quite tricky to get the balance right at times.

’For this reason we would like to encourage our supporters to focus on specific items. We have a very healthy supply of pasta, soup and baked beans - enough to see us right through 2018.

’But longlife meat and fish - and vegetarian and vegan alternatives - are always in shorter supply. We also find that a small cash donation will help us to buy what is really needed in those leaner times.

’It also helps us to manage more effectively the challenge of expiry dates and make the most of the generosity of the great Manx public.’