Central England Co-operative hosted a two-week campaign over Easter to collect food and other essentials for foodbanks in its trading area.
The appeal saw 25,000 items were collected in 14 days over Easter. The items were used to make over 2,200 food parcels, which will provide at least three days worth of emergency food and support to individuals and families in need.
“We have been overwhelmed with the fact that in just two weeks we have had enough food donated to create 7,000 meals for people in need and make a real difference in our communities,” said Martyn Cheatle, Central England Co-operative chief executive.
“Following the success of the Easter Foodbank Appeal, we want to appeal to our customers and members to continue to support our foodbanks throughout 2018 to help provide meals for people in need across the area all year round.
“Everyone at Central England Co-op would like to thank our members and customers for their generosity and supporting us in this project.”
Colleagues at over 180 food stores across 16 counties used already strong connections with local foodbank providers to encourage people to drop off one or more items. An average of six items were donated per bag left in one of the society foodbanks, and included items such as tea, sugar and cereals, as well as other essentials such as toiletries and hygiene products.
Central England Co-op works all year round with over 50 different foodbank partners after the scheme was initially launched during Christmas 2013.
