Morrisons launches Christmas food bank appeal as demand leaps

The charity has forecast a 61 per cent increase in the number of food parcels needed this winter as more people struggle with the economic fallout of Covid-19.

Morrisons has determined the items most needed in the run up to Christmas are tinned fruit, long life juice and cereal, after it carried out work with food banks across the country.

Other high demand seasonal items include advent calendars, tinned meat and fish, puddings, biscuits, cooking sauces, tea and coffee, toiletries and sanitary protection.

Morrisons said its community champions have listened to their local food banks and will make 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 be sited next to products that are most needed by food banks in each local area and will be updated regularly.

Throughout December, customers will also be able to buy a festive version of Morrisons’ Pick Up Packs - pre-packed bags of specific groceries that food banks have said will be most needed in their locality.

They will include some Christmas items and will 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 food bank 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.

Rebecca Singleton, community director at Morrisons, said: “We have worked with food banks across the UK to identify the key items that are most needed by the vulnerable in our communities.

"The UK’s food banks are a lifeline for many people and we want to make it easier for customers to donate so that no one is left behind this Christmas.”

The Priority Food Bank Item signs and Pick Up Packs follow a £10m donation from Morrisons to food banks earlier in the pandemic, as well as the donation of McVities Biscuits from its Buy One, Donate One campaign.

The initiatives are part of Morrisons' drive to restock Britain’s food banks and continue feeding the nation. Along with the Toy Donation Stations, they will feature in all 496 Morrisons stores until December 24.