Salisbury Foodbank looking to boost winter stocks
They're holding collections at Tesco stores from today (1st December)
Last updated 1st Dec 2022
There's a push to boost stocks for Salisbury's Foodbank over the next few days, ahead of an expecting rise in demand this winter.
From today (Thursday 1st December) until Saturday (3rd December), we're asked to donate items to them at Tesco stores in Salisbury - Southampton Road and Castle Street - Amesbury and Tidworth.
That'll go towards helping local families in need in the coming months.
They're particularly in need of items like tinned ham, stuffing mixes, instant mashed potatoes and long-life fruit juice.
The Salisbury Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust's network of more than 1,300 services across the country.
The charity estimates they'll need to provide more than 700,000 emergency food parcels to people facing hardship between now and February.
Maria Stevenson, manager of Salisbury Foodbank, is urging local people in Salisbury and South Wiltshire area to think about the food bank while they do their shop and give what they can, as every donation makes a difference:
“We know that the cost of living crisis has put increased pressure on people living in Salisbury and South Wiltshire and we’re seeing more people than ever before being forced to use our food bank. We always see a rise in need during the winter months and we expect that this year will be no different, therefore the donations we receive through the Tesco Collection will be critical in helping us continue to provide emergency food parcels to everyone who is facing hunger.
“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Tesco customers in south Wiltshire, especially at a time when everyone is feeling the squeeze. The donations you make will be vital in helping us support people in our local community this winter.”
This is the 10th year of Tesco's partnership with foodbanks run by the Trussell Trust.
As well as organising the events, the supermarket chain will also 20% of the financial value of the items donated by the public as a monetary support to the charity.
Those funds will allow Salisbury Foodbank to purchase additional stock and help with the provision of practical support for people accessing the food bank.
Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said:
“The cost of living is driving a tsunami of need to food banks, including from people who are working, as people struggle to afford the essentials that they need to get by. Too many people are being left with no option but to use a food bank and this is reflected by the sharp increase in the number of parcels food banks in the network are distributing.
“Between April and September this year, 320,000 people were forced to use a food bank for the first time and, as winter sets in, even more people will be pushed deeper into poverty. This increase in need means that the Tesco Winter Collection will be more important than ever as food banks work tirelessly to help everyone who needs their support.
We are working to bring about the long-term change that is needed to ensure that everyone has enough money to survive. While we do this, Tesco customers across the UK are helping to keep food banks going this winter.”
Scheme to boost stock at Salisbury Pantry too
Efforts are also underway today to boost stock at Salisbury Pantry.
The dedicated 'social supermarket' which helps people on low incomes access food, has had to pause its membership due to soaring demand.
Businseses and schools have been urged to 'bring at tin to work' today ( 1st December) to try to keep shelves filled there as more people struggle to put food on the table.