Soar Valley Food Bank’s insight into COVID impact

Now it’s working with Co-op to tackle holiday hunger

SOAR Valley Food Bank has provided a rare and shocking glimpse at the scale of its efforts to keep people from going hungry.

It is working with Central England Co-op to tackle holiday hunger among youngsters this summer and offered the insight into its work as part of the Summer Support for Kids campaign.

This scheme, which runs until September, is an annual drive to collect vital food items to support those impacted by holiday hunger in local Co-op stores and, for the first time, is urging people to donate items such as arts, crafts and school supplies to help kids with their school work and keep them occupied during the summer months.

Now, to put the situation into perspective, staff from Soar Valley

Food Bank have revealed why they are pleading with people to donate vital food and essentials during the coming months.

Tim Jackson, from the food bank, said: “We are currently providing around 30 food parcels per week. Before COVID19 we were providing around 20 food parcels per week.

“Our message is if you have been impacted by anything please be willing to accept help while you get yourself back on track financially. Food banks are here to support you and also provide other help at these difficult times.

“Our main needs are tinned meals, pasta, meat, fruit, custard, rice pudding and vegetables plus cereal, pasta sauce and jam.”

The appeal will run from now until September and all customers and members have to do is drop items off in special collection points located in every Co-op store.

Items that can be donated include shopping basket staples from tea, sugar and cereals to other essentials such as toiletries and hygiene products. Also, food banks have requested drinks for children, as well as vital sun cream and after sun.

For the first time this year other items needed include small arts and crafts items such as crayons and paints, as well as school supplies such as pencil cases and stationery.