Morrisons launches food bank donation appeal

Supermarket giant Morrisons has announced a food donation appeal to “restock the nation’s food banks” following an unprecedented rise in demand during the pandemic. 

The economic fallout from Covid-19 has forced a record number of people to turn to food banks for support, and the Trussell Trust charity expect a 61 per cent increase in the number of food parcels needed this winter.  

Experts have warned thousands are at risk of going hungry and “falling through the cracks” of Universal Credit as those on middle-incomes see their wages slashed during the pandemic. 

Rebecca Singleton, community director at the supermarket, said: “We have worked with food banks across the UK to identify the key items that are most needed by the vulnerable in our communities. 

“The UK’s food banks are a lifeline for many people and we want to make it easier for customers to donate so that no one is left behind this Christmas.”

How many food parcels will be given out in the time it takes you to read this tweet? This isn’t right. Join us now to build a #HungerFreeFuture > https://t.co/2CVhna8ikapic.twitter.com/iIaxOOXek0

— The Trussell Trust (@TrussellTrust) November 24, 2020

Morrisons has introduced “Food Bank Priority Item” signage in-store telling shoppers which items are needed most in their local area and the supermarket is encouraging customers to donate tinned fruit, long-life juice, cereal and seasonal items like advent calendars after working with food banks to find out what they need. 

Other priority items include tinned meat and fish, puddings, biscuits, cooking sauces, tea and coffee, toiletries and sanitary protection. From December 2, customers will be able to purchase festive versions of Morrisons’ “Pick Me Up Packs” for £4 which contain these goods. 

Shoppers pick up the packs at the store entrance, pay at the till, and then place the bag in a dedicated donation station which will then be collected by local food bank volunteers.

Never donated to a food bank before? Don’t know where to find your local collection centre? Not sure why they exist in the first place? We've got you covered. Here's everything you need to know about food banks at a time when they're facing record demand https://t.co/HWCfoMFqK2

— Big Issue (@BigIssue) November 14, 2020

Customers will also be able to gift new toys to in-store ‘Toy Donation Stations’ which are passed on to local causes and charities. 

The initiative will run in all 496 Morrisons stores until December 24. 

Have you been affected by the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic? The Big Issue is committed to supporting its readers and find ways to help people stay in their jobs and in their homes through our Ride Out Recession Alliance. Send your stories and ideas to rora@bigissue.com to help us support those who need it most.

Big Issue vendors need your help now more than ever. More than 1,000 vendors are out of work because of the second lockdown in England. They can’t sell the magazine and they can’t rely on the income they need.

The Big Issue is helping our vendors with supermarket vouchers and gift payments but we need your help to do that.

Pleasebuy this week’s magazine from the online shop ortake out a subscription to make sure we can continue to support our vendors over this difficult period. You can even link your subscription to your local vendor withour new online map.

Thank you all so much for your ongoing support.