Customers and members of Central England Co-op donated 250,000 items to food banks in 2018, with collection points in over 90% of its stores.
Members and customers can donate a range of food staples, tea, sugar, cereals and essentials such as toiletries and hygiene products. The society works with more than 50 food bank providers across the region to provide emergency food and support to individuals and families in crisis.
With Easter approaching, the society is raising awareness through a food bank appeal – repeating an exercise which last year saw 5,000 items collected.
During the summer holiday the retailer also campaigned to end holiday hunger among schoolchildren. In collaboration with community groups and charities, it collected 141,000 items to feed 35,000 children at risk of going hungry during the summer holidays.
Central England chief executive Martyn Cheatle said: “I am particularly proud of the fact that our kind-hearted customers, members and colleagues have helped donate an amazing 250,000 items to food banks during 2018.
“We launched our store food bank project in 2013 and it has grown and grown since that point, with now over 90% of food stores taking part and over 50 strong and long-lasting relationships created with superb food bank partners.
“While we cannot thank people enough for their efforts during 2018, we know that, unfortunately, more people than ever are using food banks and this is why it is vital for customers, members and colleagues to keep donating throughout 2019 and beyond.
“All we ask is that, if people can, they drop an item or two into our collection points and help make a real difference in their community.”
