The Co-op has raised £32,000 in donations for one of its charity partners, FareShare.
The donation to the food distribution charity is set to provide an estimated 128,000 meals for families at risk of hunger after the summer holidays.
The symbol group raised the funds with sales of its Fairtrade bananas between July 17 to August 28, with 10 per cent of each purchase going towards the FareShare Midlands.
The news follows a report by End Child Poverty published before the Covid-19 pandemic, which revealed that one million children throughout the Central Co-op counties are currently living in poverty.
READ MORE: Food shortages worst in my lifetime, says Co-op chief
The organisation said that it fears the numbers have gotten worse over the pandemic.
“Our long-standing relationship with FareShare has had a life-changing impact for people in our communities to grow during these uncertain times, we are proud to stand with them to help those in need,” Central England Co-op corporate responsibility manager Hannah Gallimore said.
“By making the choice to buy some of our fantastic Fairtrade bananas over the summer holidays our shoppers have given a boost to so many families in need in their own communities.”
FareShare Midlands director Simone Connolly added: “As uncertainty around the Covid-19 pandemic remains and thousands of families are affected through job loss and financial insecurity, this donation comes at a crucial time and will make a huge difference in people’s lives.”
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