Demand for food banks can be especially high at Christmas and that’s why Morrisons Community Champions across the UK work so closely with their local community groups and food banks to help identify and provide the groceries they need the most.
The pre-packed bags which cost between £1-£5 contain cupboard and household essentials specifically requested by local community groups; like cereal, pasta, sauces, tinned vegetable and toiletries, plus at this time of year festive items such as selection boxes.
Customers can pick up a pack on their way into the store, pay for it at the till and then place the bag in the dedicated donation station. The store's Community Champions will then distribute it to their local food bank.
Morrisons ‘Pick Up Packs’ is in addition to Morrisons surplus food programmes that sees unsold food donated to local groups all year round to help support local families.
Also, Morrisons has brought back its ‘Giving Tree’, which last year was successful in raising over £350,000 for local causes. Customers can pick up a bauble from the tree worth £1, £2 or £5 to donate to a local food bank or community group nominated by their store. Each bauble has a value which can be scanned at the checkout along with the customer's shopping.
Joseph Clark-Bland, Morrisons Community Manager, said: “Food banks are a lifeline for many people in the UK and demand can be especially high at Christmas. That’s why we wanted to make it easier for our customers to donate in whatever way they can, to help those in their local community get the items and support they need.”
The Morrisons Foundation has also launched its annual Christmas Appeal in support of The Trussell Trust. Customers who shop online are able to donate £1, £3, £5 or £10 with the final total match funded. Last year, customers managed to raise over £134,000 for the Trussell Trust through its Christmas Appeal.
We'll be doing that later this week when we pick up our Christmas meat. Can't decide on turkey or beef this year. Still, our fully qualified and experienced Morrison's butcher will be able to advise us!
