Southern Co-op to host reverse advent calendar to support food banks

Southern Co-op has announced a reverse Christmas advent calendar starting on 1 December to support local food banks.

The regional co-operative, which supports nearly 50 food banks at its stores across the south of England, is asking customers to donate a specific item of food or drink which will get taken to the local food bank until 24 December.

"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,” said Holly Bramble, community and campaign co-ordinator at Southern Co-op.

"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.

The initiative builds upon the trial the independent co-operative run last year at its headquarters.

Each day will have a different suggested item to donate which include laundry detergent, sauces, pasta, rice, toiletries, biscuits, nuts, tinned fish and meat, jam, breakfast cereal, tea, coffee, tinned desserts, long life juice, instant mashed potatoes, tinned fruit and vegetables, squash and long life milk.

Southern Co-op currently has 78 stores under The Co-operative Food with food bank collection points. Donations to the Feed a Family Fund can be made at the till in a Southern Co-op retail store or via www.neighbourly.com/FeedAFamilyFund.