October's Community Stories

Please Support Your Local Food Hub or Food Bank – Support Coventry People in Need this Christmas.

Food hubs and food banks across Coventry are struggling to cope with an increase in demand due to the cost-of-living crisis. The number of people in need has hugely increased whilst donations to these charities have fallen.

The Community Resilience Team are supporting the Christmas food campaign by linking food hubs with businesses that may be able to collect food donations from staff or make a cash donation. We have a collection box in the Coventry City Council Friargate building so council staff can donate.

These food hubs have experienced an unprecedented demand for support all year, and the winter months can be especially difficult for those in need.

Christmas is a time of giving, and what better way to help your community than by supporting a local hub near you during the festive season?

There are many ways to get involved with a Coventry Christmas food campaign:

• You can donate non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, pasta, and cereal, there’s a list of useful items on the posters below.

• You can donate money, which food banks and food hubs use to purchase fresh produce and other perishable items.
  Why not donate the amount you would usually spend on Christmas cards and let your friends and family know that you’ve donated to your local food bank instead of sending a card this year?

• Some food banks and food hubs even accept donations of toys, gifts, and toiletries which are distributed to families in need along with food, give them a call and check what they need first.

• In addition to donating, you can also volunteer your time to help sort and distribute food donations.

• or why not organise a fundraising event to support your food hub's efforts.

• If you work in a local business, school, community organisation and would like to get involved and become a temporary food collection point please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

By getting involved with the Coventry Christmas food campaign, you can make a real difference to people in Coventry who need your help.

Nobody in our communities should face going hungry this winter – if you can help please get in touch communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk

Thank you for your support.

Coventry Food Network

• To donate food see https://www.coventryfoodnetwork.org.uk/our-locations for your local food hub location and opening hours.

• To donate money to Coventry Food Network https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cfnchristmas23

• To volunteer your time contact your local food hub https://www.coventryfoodnetwork.org.uk/our-locations

• To have a food donation collection box at your business, school or community group venue contact communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk

Coventry Foodbank

• To donate food see https://coventry.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food for locations.

• To donate money to Coventry Foodbank https://coventry.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money

• To volunteer your time https://coventry.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/volunteer

To Get Help with Cost-of-Living

Across Coventry, increasing numbers of people are feeling the pressure from the increasing cost of living. If you’re struggling financially or concerned about the future, getting help early can make a big difference.

Support is available from many different organisations to help you manage the cost of living pressures.

https://www.coventry.gov.uk/costofliving

or call 08085 834333.