"In our household, only three out of four of us can eat. Literally." This is the reality for one family living in Highfield.  For residents in Rowlands Gill and the surrounding areas, including many on council estates, Tesco Express is their only supermarket. However, it has become increasingly difficult to make ends meet when shopping here due to the lack of value range products and the high pricing of other items compared to larger Tesco stores.

Living in a rural area, our mobility is limited and it becomes almost impossible for us to travel to larger supermarkets for more affordable shopping. This situation leads to families being forced to make tough choices about what to purchase, often sacrificing wholesome meals for less expensive, nutritionally poor options. Many families in this community are struggling, and it's unfair that supermarket pricing exacerbates this.

We are calling on Tesco to address this issue by stocking more of their lower-priced value range products at the Rowlands Gill store. Additionally, we ask that the prices of other items be brought in line with those found in larger Tesco stores. Introducing more budget-friendly options will significantly relieve the financial burden on local families, allowing us all to access nourishing food without breaking the bank.

According to the North East Child Poverty Commission, 37% of children in the North East are living in poverty, highlighting the need for affordable food options in our communities. Tesco is one of the leading supermarket chains in the UK, known for their efforts to maintain customer satisfaction, and we urge them to extend this commitment to Rowlands Gill.

By signing this petition, you will help bring attention to the needs of a rural, high deprivation area that deserves fair access to affordable groceries. Your support can make a difference in ensuring that Tesco Express Rowlands Gill better serves its community, safeguarding the well-being of its residents. Please join us in our call for change.

Please click on the link below to go to our survey and have your say; https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJOPzmxgE1Pf3wkbkRx9FB5TmADx9TsVfwZ8ijhGD3iQVoZg/viewform?usp=header