Bedford Foodbank Collection this Christmas

Following the enormous success over the past two years of Bedford Foodbank Collections by Blues Foundation and Bedford Blues at Goldington Road, we are delighted to announce its return for a third effort on 10th December.

In 2020, UK-wide charity The Children’s Society estimated 850,000 families struggled with the cost of food due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While no statistics are currently available for this year, it is anticipated that this figure is set to skyrocket again with the Cost of Living crisis and increase in household utility bills.

Local foodbanks – which provide emergency supplies to families in need – are often stretched over the festive period. And following the success of the last two years, we want to again support those in our community while taking the burden off other charities in Bedfordshire.

We have been able to supply over 30,000 items to Bedford Foodbank and IMPACT Food thanks to the overwhelming support of a multitude of supporters in the #BluesFamily, including some of the items most demanded and required; notably nappies, tinned products, toiletries and Christmas selection boxes.

This year we are asking for more of the same to again have as great an impact in the local community as possible, with NGO charity The Trussell Trust anticipating the use of foodbanks to soar to record numbers for the fourth year in succession.

The Bedford Blues Rugby Ground will be open for donations between 9.30am – 1.30pm on 10th December. Supporters are asked to make their way to Goldington Road where there will be a one-way system to drop off donations via car or walk in.

All donations will then be delivered to Bedford Foodbank and IMPACT Food ready for the festive period.

Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood said: “It has been extremely humbling to have witnessed the support and generosity form the residents of Bedfordshire towards our previous two foodbank collections, and we’re hopeful of the same again this year to make it a hat-trick.

“We understand the current challenges facing everybody at this current time. Any donation, big or small, will have an impact around the local community and we’re excited to lend our support again to Bedford Foodbank and IMPACT Food this year.”

ITEMS IN HIGH DEMAND AT BEDFORD FOODBANK & IMPAKT FOOD:

  • UHT milk

  • UHT fruit juice

  • Jar pasta sauce

  • Deodorant

  • Tinned Tuna

  • Tin openers

  • Tinned rice pudding

  • Clean saucepans

  • Tinned fruit

  • Biscuits

  • Jam

  • Tinned tomatoes

  • Rice

  • Ham (tins)

  • Toothbrushes

If you would like to extend your support further and volunteer on 10th December then please contact Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood via info@bluesfoundation.org.uk.

Don’t forget, keep checking our website regularly and all our social media channels to hear first about our latest initiatives; or sign up to our newsletter by clicking here for regular updates.

You can find Blues Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can contact Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood via email at info@bluesfoundation.org.uk with any specific questions you may have.

 

Tom Harwood