A total of 42 food banks across Lincolnshire and parts of Cambridgeshire, Nottinghamshire and Humberside are sharing an incredible £226,718 this month.
The donation comes thanks to Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Champions scheme, which brings together efforts of its members, customers and colleagues.
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From 8 March to 5 September, the Society donated each time a member shopped with their dividend card, while colleagues organised fundraising events and customers donated change in stores.
All year round
The retailer collects for food banks all year round, through donation bins in its food stores. However, ahead of school summer holidays, it also hosted 12 food bank drives, and the equivalent of over 5,000 meals were donated at these events, with eight local businesses also making donations.
13 colleagues have also used their employer-funded volunteering hours to provide practical support to their local food bank or to help encourage donations.
“More people need our help, and our running costs are higher.”
Newark Food Bank is one of the services the community has supported, receiving £15,846 of vital funding. Volunteer Malcolm Jowett said: “The cost-of-living pressure means people are struggling to make donations, more people need our help, and our running costs are higher.
“This money will help us to continue to give valuable support to those who need it in our community - a big thank you to everyone who’s contributed.”
The co-operative also recently held a celebration event, which bought together food bank volunteers, colleagues who have made significant contributions, and members of its Board of Directors.
Invaluable support
Senior community co-ordinator at the Lincolnshire Co-op, Mary Leggett, concluded: “Our local food banks provide invaluable support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, often when they have nowhere else to turn.
“Many people are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, making these services more important than ever. With the current climate in mind, a donation of this size is truly remarkable, and demonstrates that community spirit remains alive and well. Thank you to every single person who’s contributed.”
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