The generosity of members, customers and colleagues has helped Your Co-op Food raise more than ever to support local food bank partners this winter.
Over £25,000 was raised across Your Co-op Food stores as part of the Christmas Food bank Appeal. Funds are being distributed to local food bank partners to help provide essential support at a time of increasing demand on community food banks.
This year Your Co-op Food also launched a fundraising initiative offering reusable shopping bags for 70p, with all proceeds from the profit of the sales donated to the Food Bank Fund, this helped to drive a significant portion of the total raised.
Members and customers shopping in store were encouraged to drop essential items into each store’s food bank collection boxes and also made monetary donations via till points.
The Midcounties Co-operative’s Food Bank Fund was initially launched at the start of the pandemic to help support community food banks in ensuring that all those in need could continue to access essential supplies. It has since raised over £125,000 for its food bank partners.
Tarra Simmons, head of community and eemocratic engagement at The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “It’s a testament to our members, customers and colleagues to yet again support us in raising such a significant amount for our food bank partners – over £5,000 more than last year.
“Support of this scale ultimately helps us, as a Society, continue to do good together to put the community at the heart of what we do and support those that need it most. We hope it goes a small way in supporting the vital services that our food bank partners provide, especially as they face increased pressure and demand at this time of year.”
Cher Smith from at Swindon Food Collective, said: “The donation from Your Co-op Food and their loyal customers is much appreciated and will go a long way to help fill more of our food parcels for the local community.”
Colleagues are also encouraged to volunteer throughout the year at their local food bank offering further support.
To find out more about Your Co-op foodbank support and where you can go if you need help, please visit: https://www.midcounties.coop/our-campaigns/supporting-food-banks
To join us as a member or for more information, please visit: https://www.midcounties.coop/membership/your-co-op-members-app
