Central England Co-op has donated over £12,000 to 10 charities and good causes across Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Suffolk, Yorkshire, and the West Midlands.
It is the first instalment of the grocer’s Community Dividend Fund, which will be handed out monthly instead of four times a year, providing regular support to people struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Another 18 community groups have shared £360 in Co-op vouchers.
READ MORE: Central England Co-op cuts food waste by 40%
“We are delighted to have been able to support these amazing causes and help them make a difference in our communities,” Central England Co-op society secretary Jim Watts said.
“We made some changes to our Community Dividend Fund scheme to provide immediate financial support for local good causes, community groups and charities who are responding to some of the most worrying impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He added that the fund showed how “shopping at your local Central England Co-op store” allowed it to “invest and fund vital projects”.
The news comes after the grocer revealed that its partnership with food charity FareShare Midlands had supplied two million meals to those in need during lockdown.
