Star’s backing for anti-hunger scheme
THE HOLLYWOOD actor Michael Sheen is backing Central England Co-op’s campaign to try and ensure that children do not go hungry this summer.
The star, who is known for a range of film and TV roles including the Twilight Saga, The Queen, Good Omens and Frost versus Nixon, urged people to donate items of food to the co-op’s Summer Support for Kids campaign.
The retailer, which has 260 stores, has been running the three-month food bank campaign since the start of July. It follows research by FareShare Midlands, which indicated that 1,163,134 children are living in poverty across the 16 counties where the Co-op has stores.
The campaign sees customers drop off food items at their local store which are then collected by local food banks and turned into meals for children who would normally be enjoying free school meals.
Mr Sheen said: “Please back this worthwhile campaign by Central England Co-op and help our co-operative community make a difference this summer and beyond.”
The appeal runs until September. 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 sun cream.
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.
Central England Co-op has also donated £100,000 to its food redistribution partner, FareShare Midlands.