Over 11,000 food parcels created in just two weeks to help people in need across the West Midlands

Posted by rob smyth | Published: 24/04/2019


Kind-hearted Central England Co-op customers in the West Midlands have donated enough food to create over 11,000 meals and emergency care packages for people in need – as part of a two-week Easter Food Bank Appeal.

Over 32,000 items were dropped off at special collection points in over 200 Food Stores this April as part of an effort to get people to donate everyday items to support local food banks at a time of year when supplies start to drop.

The collection saw people donate everything from UHT milk, cereals and tinned meat to toiletries, sanitary items and chocolate treats.

In the West Midlands, the food banks to benefit will include House of Bread, in Stafford, Trussell Rugeley, B30 Food bank, Esther Community, and Quinton and Oldbury Food bank.

Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-operative Chief Executive, said: “Everyone involved with Central England Co-op would like to say a big thank you to the kind and generous customers who helped collect over 32,000 items for our food bank partners.

“This amazing result now means that over 11,000 meals and care packages can be created, which will make a make a major difference to people from all walks of life.

“As a co-operative, we are proud to be able to support the great work of local food banks across our trading area during Easter and throughout the year.

“We now want to ask people to continue to support our food banks during 2019 so we can keep providing vital donations to good causes that can really make a positive impact on those in need.”

The parcels now being handed out include items such as tea, sugar and cereals and other essentials such as toiletries and hygiene products to ensure people can maintain their dignity during times of crisis.

Kevin Warrington, from Bethany Food Bank, said: “We have seen a big increase in demand as a result of this appeal.

“Without it, we would have struggled to meet demand and people would have gone hungry this Easter.”

Central England Co-operative has permanent food bank collection points in hundreds of its stores.

The store food banks have resulted in thousands of people every month from Birmingham to Norfolk being given enough food to cook meals.

The Society now works with over 50 different food bank partners to provide emergency food and support to individuals and families in crisis throughout the year.

Last year, Central England Co-op customers helped donated 250,000 items – helping to creating 100,000 meals for people in need.

 

Notes to editors

Picture caption: Central England Co-operative colleagues celebrating after over 32,000 items were donated as part of the Easter Food Bank Appeal.

Sidebar:

Key items needed by food banks during the festive season:

  • Cereal
  • Tinned food
  • Sugar
  • Rice
  • Dried pasta
  • Pasta
  • Sauce
  • Biscuits
  • UHT milk
  • Fruit
  • Juices
  • Tea
  • Instant coffee
  • Toiletries