Specsavers and Morrisons urge customers to support local foodbanks

Research conducted by The Trussell Trust, which manages community foodbanks across the region, has forecast a 61% increase in food parcels needed this winter

Local Specsavers and Morrisons stores are urging people to support key foodbanks in time for Christmas as more people are expected to need their help this year.

Research conducted by The Trussell Trust, which manages community foodbanks across the region, has forecast a 61% increase in food parcels needed this winter compared to last year as more people struggle with the economic fallout of Covid-19.

Eleven Specsavers stores across Greater Manchester, including Rochdale, have all promised to donate funds between 30 November and 13 December 2020 and aim to also collect more donations from customers via a series of specially set up JustGiving pages.

Each store has committed to donating funds raised to a foodbank in their neighbourhood, to ensure they are directly supporting residents and families close by.

Donations via Specsavers will be sent directly to either independent foodbanks or through The Trussell Trust.

After working with foodbanks across the country, Morrisons has determined the items most needed in the run up to Christmas are tinned fruit, long life juice and cereal.

These top a wider priority containing seasonal items such as advent calendars, tinned meat and fish, puddings, biscuits, cooking sauces, tea and coffee, toiletries and sanitary protection.

Morrisons Community Champions will also be making it easier for customers to donate the items really needed this Christmas with the introduction of 'Food Bank Priority Item' signs in all stores. The signage will feature adjacent to products that are most needed by foodbanks in each local area, and be updated regularly.

Throughout December, customers will also be able to buy a festive version of Morrisons’ popular 'Pick Up Packs’ - pre-packed bags of specific groceries that local foodbanks have advised will be most needed – at every Morrisons store until 24 December.

They will include some Christmas items and cost up to £4. Customers can pick up a pack on their way into the store, pay for the items at the till, and then place the bag in a dedicated donation station, which will then be collected by local foodbank volunteers.

Morrisons has also introduced Toy Donation Stations where customers can donate a new toy. Donated items are passed on to a local good causes and charities in the local community.

You can also make a donation via the Specsavers Rochdale JustGiving page at:

• www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/specsavers-rochdale-3