Nourish Community Foodbank’s 12 Days of Christmas has been launched after the foodbank saw the number of people needing its service more than double during the pandemic.
The charity says they believe the number of people requiring help could double again by Christmas, with up to 200 per cent more referrals than before the pandemic.
The foodbank is reaching out to schools, individuals, businesses, places of worship and groups to support those who are struggling in the community.
The campaign asks people to collect one essential item a day for the 12 days of Christmas from Nourish’s list of items that they need.
Once you have all 12 items, they can be dropped off at the Nourish pop-up shop in Royal Victoria Place on Saturday, December 11 or Sunday December 12 between 10am – 5pm.
Dawn Stanford, Operations Director, said: “We have seen an increase in demand for our services of over 100 per cent since the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are seeing more and more referrals due to increases in fuel and household bills, furlough ending and the reduction in universal credit.”
She added: “The sad reality is that numbers are rising week on week, and we are preparing to deal with a peak at Christmas where we may be delivering to around 150-200 per cent more people than an average week pre-Covid 19.”
BUY SOMEBODY A CHRISTMAS DINNER
NOURISH is also launching a campaign to ensure those in need have a Christmas dinner this year.
The ‘Text FOOD £20 to 70085’ campaign allows people to make a donation by text.
The money will be spent on a Christmas dinner for families unable to afford one.
Nourish say people may find it an ethical alternative to gifts at Christmas.
Dawn Stanford said: “In launching these two campaigns, which are easy to get involved in, we hope that they will capture the hearts of our community, to help those less fortunate this Christmas. To find out more about what we do, please visit: nourishcommunityfoodbank.org.uk
