Appeal launched for food bank donations to support families over summer holidays

An appeal for donations to foodbanks is being made this summer as part of the East of England Co-op's 'Shop & Share' campaign.

While families in crisis face the financial pressures of the school summer holidays amid the cost-of-living crisis, the amount of donations to food banks drops to typically less than half that of donations made at peak periods, such as Christmas. 

The new campaign photography shows an example of foodbank donations made at Christmas, and then the significant fall in products donated during the summer. As depicted, much-needed items such as long-life milk, washing powder and canned desserts can fall to very low levels leading to shortfalls at foodbanks. To address the deficit, the region's largest independent retailer, the East of England Co-op, is calling on its customers to 'Shop and Share'.

Joint Chief Executive at the East of England Co-op, Niall O'Keeffe said: "It has never been more important to support families in crisis with a donation to a foodbank. In the image we have created, we wanted to demonstrate the impact on foodbanks when donations of important items, ranging from canned fruit and deodrant, drop to worringly low levels in the summer months. Across the region we support 25 foodbanks, working daily to help everyone in our community access good, nutritional and affordable food. 

"We're asking customers to 'Shop and Share' where they can and help us support their local community by donating to local foodbanks using the collection points in store."

Michael Beckett, Colchester Foodbank's Chief Officer, said: "Many people feel motivated to donate to foodbanks during the festive month as it is of course a time for giving. But there are families in crisis all year round that need our support, especially during the summer holidays, and donations can drop dramatically this time of year. We are particularly in need of pet food, jam and deodrant at the moment, but gratefully welcome all contributions."

Donation points are available in the majority of East of England Co-op stores. Find out more here.