The substantial contribution comes through Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Champions scheme, which has seen 42 food banks across Lincolnshire and parts of Cambridgeshire, Nottinghamshire and Humberside share an impressive £226,718.
The funding has been made possible thanks to the generosity of Lincolnshire Co-op members, customers and colleagues, who have joined forces to support vulnerable individuals and families struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Between 8th March and 5th September, Lincolnshire Co-op made donations each time members shopped using their dividend cards, while colleagues organised fundraising activities and customers contributed spare change in stores.
Alongside the financial support, the retailer has continued collecting essential food donations throughout the year through dedicated collection bins in its food stores.
Ahead of the school summer holidays, Lincolnshire Co-op also organised 12 food bank drives, generating donations equivalent to more than 5,000 meals. Eight local businesses also supported the initiative with additional contributions.
The campaign has seen colleagues go above and beyond, with 13 employees using their employer-funded volunteering hours to provide practical assistance at local food banks and encourage further donations.
In Sutton on Sea and Mablethorpe, funeral colleagues combined their volunteering hours to help deliver food parcels directly to people in need.
Funeral Director Lucy Hunter said: “This is more than just delivering food parcels; for many of the service users, we’re the only face they’ll see all week.
“Working with the food bank has been eye opening, and it’s a true privilege to be part of something that’s making local people’s lives better.”
To recognise the success of the initiative, Lincolnshire Co-op recently hosted a celebration event bringing together food bank volunteers, colleagues who had made significant contributions and members of its Board of Directors.
Lincolnshire Co-op Senior Community Co-ordinator Mary Leggett praised the generosity shown by communities across the region.
“Our local food banks provide invaluable support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, often when they have nowhere else to turn.
“Many people are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, making these services more important than ever. With the current climate in mind, a donation of this size is truly remarkable, and demonstrates that community spirit remains alive and well. Thank you to every single person who’s contributed.”
For Boston Foodbank, the £12,095 donation represents a significant financial boost, helping the organisation continue its vital work supporting local people experiencing food insecurity and financial hardship.
The contribution also highlights the important role that local shoppers, businesses and community organisations can play in supporting those most in need across the Boston area.
