Supporting our Communities – Food Bank Fund

As it's National Food Bank Day, let’s highlight how our own Food Bank Fund this year has helped feed so many people in a time of indifferent circumstances for everyone.

Over the last few years our Society has been heavily involved in Food bank donations, whether in a store, branch or office, we are sure to be always supporting our communities. Did you know that thanks to the help of our members, colleagues and customers we were able to donate 100,000 products to foodbanks last year, providing meals to over 2,500 families in need? This continued earlier this year with our Food Bank Fund raising over £43k for the most in need, a fantastic achievement.

What is the Food Bank Fund?

First launched in early April, to provide urgent and immediate support for our existing food bank partners to provide food essentials to their local communities, a total fund of over £43k was raised.

Generously donated by our customers and members, we are delighted to have been able to support:

• Over 100 applications received, helping 60 of our society foodbank partners

• A total donated over £43k

What does it go towards?

The fund has helped far and wide, with further donations of store credit being made available. Food banks are on the rise, in April 2020 the first full month after lockdown, Food banks provided an additional 81% of food parcels compared to 2019, with a 122% increase (from 2019) of those being provided to children. The main reasons for the community needing this support are low income 39%, benefits delays 17% and benefit changes 15%. [Source Trussell Trust]

We are proud to share some of the following feedback with you all. With a huge thank you to everyone who has donated during this period and for your continuing support.