Central England Co-op is launching its annual Easter Food Bank Appeal by urging customers to help collect 30,000 items for people in need – in just two weeks.
The society is placing special collection points in over 200 food stores this April in an effort to get people to donate everyday items to support local food banks at a time of year when supplies start to drop.
Last year, the campaign helped collect 25,000 items in just 14 days. The aim this year is to collect an extra 5,000 items to help create over 10,000 meals.
The items will be collected up and turned into parcels with enough food to create meals for three days. The parcels will then be distributed to people across the 16 counties in which Central England Co-op trades.
The major push this year is for UHT milk, cereals and tinned meat and fish. Food banks have also asked people to donate chocolate items, puddings and toiletries.
Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-operative chief executive, said: “While the majority of our food stores have food bank collection points in place all year round, we feel that it is vital to shine a light on the times of year when services are strained and are in need of a boost.
“Easter, just like summer and Christmas, is one of these times and this is why everyone involved at Central England Co-op is asking members and customers to dig deep and help support some vital local good causes.
“Just donating an item or two – from essential items to treats – will go towards creating a meal for someone in need and we hope that, in just two weeks, we will be able to collect 30,000 items – 5,000 more than last year. This will support the creation of 10,000 meals and help make a real difference.”
