College donation aids food’s bank appeal

Sunderland College is helping the city’s food bank through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

With the college moving to online teaching and learning, unused stock from campus refectories have been passed to the Sunderland Foodbank.

Dozens of boxes of crisps, cookies, brownies, chocolate bars, fruit juice and soft drinks have been collected by the food bank from the college’s Bede Campus.

Education Partnership North East’s Food and Beverage Manager Darren Lawton said: “With the majority of our students at home, we didn’t want the stock to go to waste.

“The college prides itself on being at the heart of the community and we are proud to support Sunderland Foodbank and help those who need it most.”

Founded by local churches and community groups, the food bank receives support from Sunderland City Council, Sunderland AFC, local businesses and supermarkets across the region.

The college donation will enhance emergency food parcels available at collection points throughout the city.

Food bank coordinator Jo Gordon said organisers had been delighted with the community response. She added: “We were overwhelmed by Sunderland College’s generosity and the amount of stock donated.

“We have amazing supporters behind us and it’s amazing to see the community pulling together at such a challenging time.”

The college also gifted hundreds of pieces of essential PPE to keep front line NHS staff safe.