Help Salford Foodbank collect 1.5 tonnes of food for local families in need

Salford Foodbank has distributed a record number of food bank parcels throughout the pandemic.

However, with demand set to increase over Christmas and into the new year, they have vowed to keep the momentum going.

So they’ve set themselves the target of raising 1.5 tonnes of food donations for families in need this Christmas. For those feeling festive, that’s the equivalent in weight of three whole camels.

Thanks to the kindness of local residents, including Keith Walker from Boothstown, who collected a staggering 600kg of donations from generous neighbours, friends and family, the food bank has now received over 1000kg of donations – or almost two camels.

Now, they’re asking locals to help push them over the final hump.

MediaCityUK based Carbon Creative has transformed a deluxe shed at the popular Box on the Docks open-air gallery and immersive art trail into a striking Salford Foodbank Giftbox collection point.

Visitors to the trail and passers-by are being asked to drop-in an item such instant coffee, boil in a bag rice and pasta, jars of jam and sauces, seasonal chocolate boxes and toilet roll.

If you are not able to visit MediaCityUK, several community donation points have been set up across Salford to support the campaign, including Moorside High School.

Assistant Head Steve Mills said pupils have filled four wheelie bins full of food to donate to the appeal.

“As soon as we mentioned the appeal our students, their families and staff were eager to help,” he said.

“We had planned to use crates but had so many donations we had to borrow wheelie bins from Salford City Council to hold them all.

“I’m overwhelmed by their kindness, generosity and determination to make Christmas that little bit easier for people in need this year.

“We place great importance on community spirit as a school and they have done themselves and Salford proud.”

Iain Wight from Salford Foodbank said this year has seen “an outpouring of local generosity, with communities coming together, such as Moorside School, MediaCityUK and through people like Keith who want to play their part in helping to support those who may be struggling.

“We have been blown away by people’s kindness and we can’t thank everyone enough.

“It means we can support even more families through unprecedented times of hardship.”

You can find out more and get involved at foodgiftbox.co.uk.