Shoppers raise thousands of pounds for local foodbanks

Nearly £100,000 has been donated to foodbanks across the south of England thanks to co-operative shoppers swiping their membership cards.

From Alton to Worthing and Exeter to Eastbourne, 78 different foodbanks are currently supported by their local Southern Co-op store.

Last year Southern Co-op started a new community initiative at its Co-operative Food stores to donate 2p to local foodbanks per qualifying transaction.

The latest round of funding will see more than £50,000 being split between the good causes which is in addition to the £48,000 previously raised through the scheme.

The donations are expected to make a “huge difference” according to the giving platform, Neighbourly, which helps businesses make a positive impact in their communities by donating volunteer time, money, and surplus products.

Neighbourly recently surveyed its network of good causes which showed that whilst 80 per cent of respondents have seen demand increase over the past three months, 45 per cent have also seen food and product donations decrease over the same period.

The survey respondents included foodbanks, community centres, community pantries, homeless charities, schools, family centres, and mental health charities.

“Our latest community survey results highlight that the demand on food banks and local food aid groups is still extremely high,” said Neighbourly’s CEO Steve Butterworth.

“The cost-of-living crisis is continuing to add pressure and we are now heading into the autumn/winter months when families will face a rise in energy costs and when food banks face their peak months.

“Food banks are extremely grateful for the support that the public and organisations like Southern Co-op are able to give – it makes a huge difference to the positive impact they are able to deliver within communities.”