Plea by Co-op for more donations to its summer foodbank appeal

Central England Co-op is urging people to continue supporting its summer appeal aimed at making sure children do not go hungry this summer.

Enough food for over 14,000 meals has already being donated by generous shoppers at Co-op stores in Norfolk and Suffolk.

The Co-op marked the halfway point of its 12-week summer food bank appeal by revealing that over 50,000 items have been handed over by kind-hearted customers at collection points in its food stores, including those at Dersingham and Terrington St Clement.

However, food bank providers are now urging people to keep on donating one or more items – ranging from food to toiletries – as an major rise in demand has resulted in some coming close to running out of food and being unable to help children at risk of going hungry.

Martyn Cheatle, Central England Co-operative chief executive, said: “We are so proud of the generosity of our customers. However our food bank partners are telling us that, even with the increased levels of donations, some are close to running out of vital items so we still need people to back our campaign."

“All of us here at Central England Co-operative want to urge customers and members to continue to support our appeal and make sure that children do not go hungry during the holidays.”

Items that can be donated include shopping basket staples from tea, sugar and cereals to other essentials such as toiletries and hygiene products.

Holiday hunger revolves around a rise in demand from families who see the safety net of free school meals removed during the summer holidays.

A full list of the stores taking part in the appeal can be found by visiting www.centralengland.coop/summer