Helping food banks after festive surge

Food and hygiene products are needed to help food banks support vulnerable people into the new year and beyond, as Lincolnshire Co-op launches a food bank advent calendar campaign.

People are being encouraged to donate vital supplies straight into the collection points located in Lincolnshire Co-op’s 94 food stores or build their own collection boxes at home to give directly to the 39 participating food banks and community larders after Christmas.

An advent calendar is available on Lincolnshire Co-op’s website and on posters in store. It outlines specific items to collect on each of the 24 days until Christmas. The products range from tins of tuna and jars of jam, to toothpaste and washing detergent.

Foodbank Coordinator at Lincoln Foodbank, Amy Colley, said: “All of the food that we give out at Lincoln Foodbank comes from donations. Last year we gave out over 70 tonnes of food to local people in crisis.”

Food banks tend to get lots of donations during the festive period, which is why the collection will be handed over at later date to help manage the post-Christmas slump.

Co-ordinator at Lincoln Community Larder, Dawn Nightingale, said: “We’re really busy at the moment, providing lots of people with essential supplies – around this time of year, we only get busier.

“The calendar is a great tool for shoppers to understand which items we desperately need. Even if you only make one donation, you’re going to make a huge different to a vulnerable person.”

Buying products isn’t the only way to contribute – sharing the calendar with family and friends enables others to participate and spread the word.

Lincolnshire Co-op members can also choose to donate their dividend at the till in food stores – last year, £18,875 was generously gifted.

Community Engagement Manager at Lincolnshire Co-op, Sam Turner, said: “The Food Bank Advent Calendar campaign was a great success last year, we saw the community come together to collect almost seven tonnes of products, which is the equivalent of over 16,455 meals.

“It would be wonderful to be able to offer the same level of support to food banks this year, and any contribution is greatly appreciated.”

Those wanting to participate can find the calendar, list of 39 participating food banks, and any further details here: https://www.lincolnshire.coop/foodbankadvent