Norwich Foodbank urges shoppers to donate at intu Chapelfield and top-up supplies ahead of summer
A Norwich Foodbank donation station has been set up at intu Chapelfield shopping centre to accept donations of food, drink and toiletries. The charity, Norwich Foodbank, says supplies run low during the summer months, as parents struggling financially have the added pressure of children being off school.
You can donate to Norwich Foodbank at intu Chapelfield 16 June – 7 July
The Norwich Foodbank station will be at intu Chapelfield until Sunday 7July, and visitors are being urged to drop off items such as tea bags, shampoo and long life fruit juice to help top-up supplies ahead of the school holidays.
Hannah Worsley, project manager for Norwich Foodbank says; “Local parents on low incomes rely on free school meals to ensure their children are fed, so the summer break can add extra worry and pressure for some families. It costs considerably more to feed all the family when children are off school, and when finances are stretched to the limit, this is extra money that some people simply do not have. No child or parent should go hungry or without this summer, and Norwich shoppers can do something to help.”
More people than ever are using the charity’s service in the city. At the end of April 2019, Norwich Foodbank had given out more than 10,300 parcels over 12 months, its busiest year ever. Last summer, the national Trussell Trust charity, which Norwich Foodbank is a part of, reported a UK-wide shortage* when demand from hungry children spiked. The local Norwich branch is preparing now and asking for generous donations to avoid a reoccurrence.
Hannah adds; “As well as increasing the amount of food parcels available in the summer, we also support families through our FISH school holiday clubs, providing a free hot meal and fun activities. Items donated at intu Chapelfield will go directly to Norwich families, so if you’re visiting the centre for a day’s shopping or to dine out at one of the cafes and restaurants, please think of those who may be referred to us for help and drop off any items you can. We promise, you’ll be making a real difference; helping individuals, couples and families from Norwich who need our support most.”
Sheridan Smith, marketing manager at intu Chapelfield adds; “A donation, no matter how small, will mean so much to someone living near you. It could be as simple as buying toiletries on a buy one get one free offer or looking through your cupboards at home. Visit us, pop your donation in the giving box, and if you’re worried your item might get damaged, please stop by the customer information desk and one of our team will happily pass it on.”
The Norwich Food Bank donation station can be found on the lower ground mall, along the St Stephen’s Arcade just outside the Trespass store at intu Chapelfield, from 16 June to 7 July. All donations must be made by Sunday 7 July so items can be distributed over the school summer holidays and beyond.
Most-needed items include:
- Tinned meat (ham, corned beef etc)
- Tinned fish
- Tinned fruit
- Long life fruit juice
- Chocolate, sweets & treats
- Deodorant (male and female)
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Shower gel
- Shaving items (razors, foam etc)
- Toilet & kitchen rolls
- Washing powder
*source – https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/food-banks-help-children-what-you-can-donate/
This report also quotes research which revealed it costs an additional £30-40 a week to provide for one child during school holidays.