Convenience store chain Southern Co-op launches reverse advent calendar appeal in bid to boost food bank stock

As families open their Advent calendars, a local co-operative has launched its reverse advent calendar appeal, in order to boost stocks at food banks.

Southern Co-op, which supports nearly 50 food banks at its stores across the south of England, is asking its customers to consider donating a specific item of food or drink up to December 24.

Holly Bramble, community and campaign co-ordinator at Southern Co-op, said: ‘We want to help as many families as possible so have launched this fun and affordable way for customers, colleagues and members to get involved.

‘A few weeks ago we launched a new funding pot, Feed a Family Fund, for local food banks to get small grants to help them cover the costs of essentials such as replacement equipment.

‘We know not everyone can afford to donate money so this is another way people can help local families and individuals who have fallen on hard times.

‘We trialled the reverse Advent calendar at our head office last year and lots of colleagues got involved so hopefully this will build on the great community spirit we have seen throughout 2020.’

Each day will have a different suggested item to donate such as laundry detergent, sauces, pasta, rice, toiletries, biscuits, nuts, squash, long life milk and more.

Southern Co-op currently has 78 stores with food bank collection points.

SEE ALSO: How you can bring joy to a lonely person in the Portsmouth area this Christmas

Local stores include: Clanfield in White Dirt Lane, Emsworth in High Street, Fareham in Gudge Heath Lane, Hayling Island in Elm Grove, Lee-on-the-Solent in High Street and Twyford Drive, Portchester in White Hart Lane, Portsmouth in Copnor Road, Eastney Road, Elm Grove, Fawcett Road, Great Southsea Street, Highland Road and Winter Road, Southbourne in Main Road, Westbourne in The Square, and Wickham in The Square.

The Co-ops in Chichester in Bognor Road, Lavant Road, Oliver Whitby Road, Spitalfield Lane and Stockbridge Road, East Wittering in Cakeham Road, also have donation points.

Products will be donated to food banks, including Chichester District Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Emsworth's Beacon Church; Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank; Hayling Island's Bridge Church; Horndean Baptist Church; Lee on Solent FISH (Food, Information, Support & Hope); Meon Valley Food Bank; Petersfield Area Churches Together (PACT); Portchester Methodist Church food pantry; Portsmouth Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust, plus more.

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