Co-op advent drive to help feed families

Southern Co-op, which supports nearly 50 food banks at its stores across the south of England, is hosting a reverse Christmas advent calendar.

Up to December 24, customers at stores including in Bath and Frome, will be asked to consider donating a specific item of food or drink which will get taken to the local food bank.

As the demand for food banks has increased considerably during the pandemic, the donated goods will all help someone in need this winter.

Holly Bramble, community and campaign co-ordinator at Southern Co-op, said: “We want to help as many families as possible so have launched this fun and affordable way for customers, colleagues and members to get involved.

“A few weeks ago we launched a new funding pot, Feed a Family Fund, for local food banks to get small grants to help them cover the costs of essentials such as replacement equipment.

“We know not everyone can afford to donate money, so this is another way people can help local families and individuals who have fallen on hard times.

“We trialled the reverse advent calendar at our head office last year and lots of colleagues got involved, so hopefully this will build on the great community spirit we have seen throughout 2020.”

Each day will have a different suggested item to donate.

This includes laundry detergent, sauces, pasta, rice, toiletries, biscuits, nuts, tinned fish and meat, jam, breakfast cereal, tea, coffee, tinned desserts, long-life juice, instant mashed potatoes, tinned fruit and vegetables, squash and long-life milk.

Southern Co-op currently has 78 stores under The Co-operative Food brand with food bank collection points.