Lincolnshire Co-Op shoppers can help support food banks through advent calendar campaign

Food poverty remains a growing problem across the country, and many families may struggle to put dinner on the table this Christmas.

In an effort to tackle this issue, shoppers are being encouraged to ‘give a little something’ this festive season.

Captain Wendy Brown, minister and current Food Bank co-ordinator of The Salvation Army Food Bank in Gainsborough, says that due to the coronavirus pandemic, donations are needed now more than ever.

She said: “We’re seeing an unprecedented increase in demand like never before.

"As unemployment has been rising, more and more families are needing help from food banks.

“We’re also supporting local schools to make sure children don’t go hungry this Christmas.

"At the moment, demand seems to be four-fold the previous levels.

"The amount of food packages we used to do in a month, we’re now doing in a week.”

The suggested donations include a variety of items, from canned goods to cleaning products and toiletries.

The advent calendar can be downloaded from Lincolnshire Co-op’s website, www.lincolnshire.coop/community, and is also displayed in all food stores.

Donations can be dropped off at the collection points in store when shoppers are picking up their essentials.

Alternatively, those participating from home, work, or school can save up their donations over the month and take them to food banks, community larders, or drop-off points at the end of the advent calendar campaign.

Food banks in the area are actively encouraging donors to save their contributions until early January, when donation numbers tend to decrease, and the extra help is needed most.

Sam Turner, Lincolnshire Co-op’s community manager, said: “We work closely with local food banks and have seen how important their hard work is, and the huge difference it makes to the community.”

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