Salisbury marking Coronation Big Help Out with huge food drive

We can take donations to the Market Square today (Monday 8th May)

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 8th May 2023

The last day of the Coronation weekend is about helping others and volunteering - so Salisbury's holding its biggest ever food collection today (Monday 8th May).

The Market Square will become a hub for donations, which will be split between a few city charities, to help feed those in need.

Salisbury City Council’s Communities Team staff and volunteers are leading the day, alongside groups like Salisbury Foodbank, Bemerton Community Fridge, and the Pantry Partnership.

Salisbury Foodbank Manager, Maria Stevenson said:

“We believe no-one should go hungry in 2023. No one should have to choose between heating or eating. Yet many people in our community still do. One thing you can do this year is to support our local food projects, raise awareness of their needs and spread the word of their existence so more people know where to go if they need help. All the projects that are part of the Salisbury Foodie Forum reduce food waste and distribute vital supplies to those who are struggling and can often prevent people from reaching crisis point.”

There's a list of items that's really needed by the group:

  • Tinned fruit
  • Rice pudding/custard
  • Long life fruit juice
  • Long life milk
  • Tinned tuna
  • Super noodles
  • Tinned tomatoes
  • Tinned veg
  • Tinned meats/meat meals

How to donate

We can take food items down to the Market Square between 12.00pm and 4.00pm today (Monday 8th May).

If you can walk your donation onto the square, please do, but for those who have a large amount to donate, you will be able to drive onto the Guildhall Square, with access from Blue Boar Row, directed by marshals on the day.

The Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr Tom Corbin said:

"The King's Big Help Out is a day of opportunity for charity groups and volunteer organisations to showcase what they do and for people to come together to help support and give back to the Salisbury community. I look forward to supporting Salisbury City Council and community partners event on Coronation Monday on the Market Square."

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