A new Harvest appeal has been launched to address food poverty both locally and thousands of miles away. The Can + Coin campaign, organised by Feed The Hungry UK, is aiming to replenish Coventry Foodbank’s stocks ahead of Christmas while also supporting vulnerable children and families in Bolivia.
The initiative, running throughout September, October, and November, is part of a joint effort to combat hunger on two fronts. Donors are encouraged to give a non-perishable food item to Coventry Foodbank, with a coin attached to support the Mission Bolivia project. This project helps to feed children, young people, and mothers living on the streets of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and to fund the completion of a new children’s centre.
Dee Ward, Project Manager of Coventry Foodbank, highlighted the significance of the appeal, especially as demand for foodbank support has reached unprecedented levels. “We are currently distributing over 2,000kg more food each week than we are receiving in donations,” she said. “This is unsustainable. A food collection in your office or school, even just a few jars or tins, will help us support struggling families and individuals throughout the year.”
Businesses, schools, organisations, and individuals are all being asked to participate in the campaign. Donations can be dropped off at Feed The Hungry and Coventry Foodbank’s central warehouse at The Halo Centre in Binley.
Ward also emphasised the critical importance of donations during Harvest and Christmas, as these periods are essential for building the foodbank’s reserve stock. She encouraged local businesses to collect food on their premises and deliver it to Coventry Foodbank, which has provided food to over 250,000 people in its 12 years of operation.
The appeal’s dual purpose will also benefit Feed The Hungry UK’s international efforts, particularly in Bolivia. Rich Smith, Head of Communications for Feed The Hungry UK, explained the global aspect of the Can + Coin campaign. “While Coventry Foodbank is feeding hundreds of people across the city each week, we are also working to support children and families living on the streets of Santa Cruz,” he said. “Even in recent days, Bolivia has experienced wildfires that are displacing thousands of people, increasing the need for support.”
Smith added that the Can + Coin initiative offers a simple but effective way for people to make a difference both locally and globally. “A donation of a can for Coventry and a coin for Bolivia will help people in desperate need at home and abroad,” he said.
Coventry Foodbank is part of Feed The Hungry UK, a charity that works in 25 countries worldwide to alleviate hunger. Closer to home, the foodbank collaborates with over 300 support agencies through its Pathfinders Team, which helps to tackle the root causes of food poverty in Coventry.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on families, the foodbank is experiencing its highest demand since it was founded. Campaigns like Can + Coin are vital in ensuring the foodbank can continue its work.
Donations for the Can + Coin campaign can be dropped off at The Halo Centre, Progress Way, Binley, between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.