Supermarket backing Xmas food bank appeal
A SUPERMARKET is urging people to donate their spare food items to help those in need.
Central England Co-operative is asking people to give their festive treats and everyday items for its Christmas food bank appeal.
Alongside items such as tea, tinned fruit and toiletries, food banks have this year asked for people to spread a little festive cheer by dropping off a Christmas treat such as chocolate or a small gift into collection points in Ashbourne and Derbyshire.
The Christmas food bank appeal will run from November 26 to December 24. The items will then be collected and made into food parcels.
These contain around 11 items and will provide at least three days’ worth of meals for those in need.
Items that can be donated include shopping basket staples from tea, sugar and cereals to other essentials such as toiletries and hygiene products to ensure people can maintain their dignity during times of crisis.
Food bank partner Peter Evans said: “We are delighted to support the Central England Co-op Christmas food bank appeal. At this time of year it is critical that every food bank is stocked full of basic supplies and little treats to ensure people don’t go hungry during the festive season. We are appealing to customers to back this vital campaign by donating an item or two and ensuring that the Christmas food bank appeal is a major success.”
The chief executive of Central England Co-operative, Martyn Cheatle, said: “We are proud of our strong links with our food bank partners, links that have allowed us to collect over 200,000 items so far this year. We want to ensure this Christmas that we continue this great work and work with our customers and members to be able to provide emergency food and support to individuals and families in crisis.
“Our Christmas Food Bank Appeal will help create and provide meals for people across the area in need, thanks to the everyday items donated. This year we are also issuing a plea on behalf of food banks to help spread a little festive cheer by donating a nice treat or gift into our special collection points.
“All we are asking is that people drop off one or more items into our food banks this Christmas and help make a real difference in their community.”