SUPERMARKET chain Co-op, who have a shop in Wem, is calling on communities across Shropshire to support their local food banks.

Midcounties Co-op opened their foodbank fund in March with a £25,000 donation, designed to help food banks put meals on the table for the most vulnerable people in the community.

Members and customers also supported the initiative with donations, managing to raise a further £15,000 for the fund.

With the Covid-19 continuing to affect communities, the supermarket has reaffirmed their support for foodbanks, launching Co-op Fortnight to continue to draw attention to the work they do and encourage people to donate.

The event runs from June 24 to July 7, and chief executive Phil Ponsonby says it is a celebration of the co-operative values.

“During the coronavirus pandemic we’ve seen communities come together like never before to help each other weather this storm," said Phil.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of our members, colleagues and customers across Shropshire, but food banks tell us that demand for their services remains at unprecedented levels and is likely to stay this way for many months to come.

“Foodbanks have provided vital support to growing numbers of people during this time, but they themselves are facing a funding crisis and have struggled to provide help to everyone who needs it.

“During Co-op Fortnight, we want to harness some of the new co-operation we’ve seen to keep changing society for the better.

“We know that many people are facing challenges of their own right now, but we’re asking those who can afford it to give what they can to support food banks that are working hard to help make sure no one in the community goes hungry.”

Throughout the pandemic, the Co-op has also worked with local volunteers to make more than 50,000 deliveries of essential supplies to people who are self-isolating at home, kept nurseries open to provide childcare for NHS staff and key workers, and donated £5,000 worth of smartphones to help vulnerable people access support.

To donate to the Co-op Midcounties foodbank fund, visit mid.coop/FoodbankDonation