Christmas Food Bank Appeal

Everyday essentials or a little extra treat

Christmas can be a tough time of year for many. And this year has been particularly challenging, as the effects of the pandemic have brought more individuals and families to crisis point.

We’d like to appeal to your generosity, and ask that you donate items to one of our 240 collection points over the Christmas period. Everyday essentials, like tea, tinned fruit and toiletries are always needed, but we’d also like you to consider donating a festive treat to help spread some Christmas cheer. Collection boxes will be in store until 31st December 2020.

Find your closest Food Bank collection point

What happens next?

Your donations are collected and made into food parcels. Each one contains around 11 items and will provide at least three days’ worth of meals for those in need.

You can donate shopping basket staples, like tea, sugar and cereals, or other essentials such as toiletries and hygiene products to help people maintain their dignity during times of crisis.

Last year, we worked closely with over 65 food bank providers, and collected over 40,000 items. Please dig deep again this year, and give one or two items to help more people in your area have a happier Christmas.

The importance of our Food Bank appeal

Since Christmas 2013, all of our food stores have been home to in store collection points for over 65 different food bank partners.

Every single month this results in thousands of people from Birmingham to Norfolk being given enough food to cook meals and ensure that nobody goes hungry via emergency food and support for individuals and families in crisis.

This annual, ongoing work with food banks is given a welcome boost at certain points of the year – Easter, summer and Christmas – to help cope with major spikes in demand.

Last year, our Christmas Food Bank Appeal collected over 75,000 items and in 2020 we expect our customers and members to continue their kind-hearted generosity to help those in need.

Food bank partner Will Morris, from House of Bread, in Stafford, said:

“We are delighted to support the Central England Co-op Christmas Food Bank Appeal. At this time of year it is critical that every food bank is stocked full of basic supplies and little treats to provide a real lifeline to families in need of support and ensure people don’t go hungry during the festive season. We are appealing to customers to back this vital campaign by donating an item or two and ensuring that the Christmas Food Bank Appeal is a major success.”