Co-operative members generosity has been described as ‘a shining example of kindness’ after they raised more than £75,000 to help food banks and those who rely on their services.
The donation will be shared between 75 food banks which are currently supported by customers’ goods donations in Southern Co-op’s retail and funeral care branches across the south.
More than £48,000 was raised by customers swiping their membership cards as Southern Co-op has pledged to donate 2p to the pot per qualifying transaction.
Through the co-operative’s Share of the Profits scheme 2021/2022, a further £22,570 was donated by members. Colleagues donated the remaining funds from a one-off support payment.
John Saborido, from Bournemouth Foodbank run with the Trussell Trust, said: “A big thank you to all Southern Co-op’s customers who have donated food and household items to Bournemouth Foodbank and swipe their co-op membership cards in-store. Your generosity is a shining example of the kindness and compassion that exists within our community, and we are grateful for your support in these challenging times.
“Food insecurity continues to rise in the UK, with millions of people struggling to make ends meet. Your support makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who rely on our services, and we are so thankful for your help.”
Between February and December last year, 17,566kgs of goods were donated to foodbanks by customers and members.
In December £40,000 worth of gift cards were also shared by Southern Co-op to food banks across the south to help families and individuals affected by the cost-of-living increases.
Beth Rice, CEO of Repton Community Trust, said: “We’ve seen a 400% increase in demand on our food projects since December 2021 so the support we receive from Southern Co-op is vital and very much appreciated.
“Our biggest challenge currently is securing funds for running costs and staffing costs for our food projects which include a food bank, 24hr food lockers, food deliveries to vulnerable people, a kitchen garden, free recipe box schemes and a community shop (social supermarket). Food donations have also decreased as people are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and inflation.”
Holly Bramble, Southern Co-op’s Community Lead, said: “It makes me incredibly proud when I see how much money and food our customers have enabled us to donate to foodbanks. One food bank we spoke to reiterated that every tin of food makes a difference and I have seen this first-hand.
“We know times are tough and many foodbanks have seen donations drop whilst demand increases. So we want to encourage our customers to keep swiping their membership cards but we’d also like to thank all of the people behind the scenes at these foodbanks who make the impossible possible. Thank you.”
Members of Southern Co-op, which is a regional, independent co-operative, have also made it possible for more than £26,000 to be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian appeal. This was from Southern Co-op’s Share of the Profits scheme, and Southern Co-op donations based on the number of members attending the AGM and voting in the Board Election.
