Branston All Saints Food Bank

Vital supplies have been distributed to 39 community larders and food banks, thanks to the generosity of local people who’ve donated using our food bank advent calendar.

Customers, members, and colleagues of Lincolnshire Co-op collected one item for each day in December leading up to Christmas, from toilet rolls to tinned vegetables.

Judy Dickin is a volunteer at Branston All Saints Food Bank and estimates that they’ve received over 500 donations as a result of the food bank advent calendar.

She said: “I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s contributed, it’s made a massive difference.

“When we deliver the food you’ve donated, we have a mixture of tears and delight – people are absolutely overwhelmed by the support.”

The food bank is based in the church in Branston but also supports those in Heighington, Potterhanworth, Nocton and more.

As well as getting donations through Branston Food Store, they have members of the public bringing items to them directly on a regular basis.

Marcus Stead, a volunteer at Branston All Saints Food Bank, said: “The local people have been 100 per cent there, making sure we always have the supplies we need.

“Thank you to everyone who’s donated, some of the households we deliver parcels to have nothing, and because of you these people are able to eat.”

Every Lincolnshire Co-op food store has a collection box for their local food bank, making it easy for shoppers to drop an item in as part of their weekly shop.

Sam Turner, Community Manager at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “We’re really proud to support local food banks – they’re doing great work in our communities, helping vulnerable people and providing them with essential items.

“The food bank calendar was made with local food banks so that those wanting to give back could understand which products were most needed.

“We’re amazed by the number of donations we’ve had; even if you donated one thing from the calendar, you’ve made a big difference!”

Find out more about the Food Bank Advent Calendar campaign.

Find out how you can support your community and local food bank.