Drive to support foodbanks through ethical Christmas gifting

The East of England Co-op is urging customers to support communities in food poverty with the gift of a foodbank donation to a loved one this Christmas.

The £5 Foodbank Donation Card was launched in 2020 and so far, has raised more than £10,000 for local foodbanks. The card, which can be given as a gift at Christmas, contains a message of thanks for helping local people in crisis, with 100% of the £5 donation going directly to local foodbanks. It is now available in all East of England Co-op Food stores. 

Use of foodbanks has risen steadily in recent years, with reports of a further sharp rise in use recently and urgent appeals for help this winter.*

Joint Chief Executive at the East of England Co-op, Niall O'Keeffe, comments: "Foodbanks play an essential role in keeping people warm and fed and we have supported these critical services for many years. It's more important now, more than ever, we play our part. Food donations are well received, but financial support can work even harder. 

"The Foodbank Donation Card ensures vital funds reach people in crisis at Christmas, and are a smart way to send an ethical gift to a loved one that gives back to your local community. Just one Foodbank Donation Card is enough to provide a week's worth of emergency food for a family. 

"It's an ideal gift for a friend or family member to let them know you've made a donation on their behalf, or keep it for yourself as a reminder of the impact you've made in your local community. 

"Our thanks and admiration go to the tireless efforts of volunteers in foodbanks serving those in their community most at need, and of course to the generosity of our customers for every single donation."

To further support foodbanks, the East of England Co-op continues to provide food donation points in-store and shoppers are also able to make a donation of any value at the till point. Everything donated goes directly to local people in crisis via 24 foodbanks across the region. 

Foodbank Donation Cards are available now from all East of England Co-op stores until 9 January. 

For more information visit www.eastofengland.coop/foodjustice.