**Tesco Offers Complimentary Breakfasts to Armed Forces on Sunday to Honour Service**
Tesco, one of the UK’s leading supermarket chains, has announced a special gesture of gratitude for members of the armed forces community by providing free breakfasts in select stores this weekend. The initiative, which falls on Sunday, 29th June, is in celebration of Armed Forces Day and marks the fourth consecutive year the company has run the offer.
Armed Forces Day is an annual event observed towards the end of June each year, serving as a moment for the nation to collectively acknowledge the commitment and sacrifice made by the country’s servicemen and women. First introduced in 2006 under the title of Veterans’ Day, the occasion was later renamed in 2009 to reflect the wide support for all personnel, both past and present, involved in the British military.
This Sunday, those currently serving as well as veterans—whose numbers amount to approximately 180,000 and nearly two million respectively—can enjoy a free breakfast at more than 300 Tesco stores nationwide. To take advantage of the offer, individuals must simply show their MOD90 or Veterans ID card at a participating Tesco Café or Coffee Shop. Options include a traditional cooked breakfast, vegetarian and vegan alternatives, as well as a sausage bap, catering to a variety of dietary preferences.
Tesco’s UK CEO, Ashwin Prasad, expressed the company’s motivation behind the gesture, saying: “Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe. As the largest private employer of veterans in the UK, we want to recognise those who serve, and have served, this Armed Forces Day. We hope this free breakfast will go a little way to show our gratitude for their service.”
Alongside the offer of a complimentary meal, Tesco has highlighted its commitment to providing ongoing support for military personnel, veterans, and their families beyond this annual celebration. Sabrina Lungo, chair of the Armed Forces colleague network at Tesco, commented: “Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity to recognise our Armed Forces personnel and veterans, and we’re happy to be offering them this small token of our appreciation for the fourth year running. Through our thriving Armed Forces network, we are proud to support the entire Armed Forces community at Tesco, from veterans to military partners and families, as they navigate the challenges of life in the Armed Forces and beyond.”
The drive by Tesco resonates with similar efforts made by numerous organisations across the country, keen to demonstrate support for the military community. While Armed Forces Day is not a bank holiday, a growing number of retailers, councils, and local groups choose to honour the date with a range of discounts, events, and recognition initiatives.
For many veterans, gestures such as these can serve as an important public acknowledgement of their contributions, particularly for those whose daily lives have been fundamentally shaped by their time in service. The act of offering a free meal, albeit small, is just one element of an ongoing national conversation about how best to honour and assist those who have served.
The event comes amid continued calls from various quarters for wider public and private sector support for the armed forces community, encompassing not only recognition but also employment, mental health assistance, and social integration for those transitioning into civilian life.
As Armed Forces Day approaches, Tesco’s gesture stands both as a sign of respect and a tangible measure to make those in the military, past or present, feel valued. Members keen to take part are encouraged to visit their local participating Tesco Café or Coffee Shop and present the appropriate identification on Sunday to enjoy their free breakfast.