Organisers of a foodbank have been told they can no longer collect donations from the supermarket they’ve worked with for years.
The Holbeach Community Larder and Sutton Bridge Foodbank have for the last four years had a collection at Tesco’s Holbeach.
But this year Tesco and FareShare have linked up to distribute food donated to all stalls to the Trussell Trust as part of a November appeal.
Instead the local charities are requesting items be taken to the Reading Rooms on Friday November 22, 29 and December 6 between 9am and 1pm or into All Saints Church at any point during the week beginning December 2.
Reverend Canon Rosamund Seal, said: “For the last four years Holbeach Community Larder and Sutton Bridge Foodbank have been allowed to collect donations of food and Christmas items at our local branch of Tesco in Holbeach to help us make up the Christmas hampers we give out to local people in need.
“We have hugely appreciated the support that we have had from local store managers and staff over the years and last year collected an incredible 160 trays of food from local shoppers.
“Unfortunately for us, this year, Tesco head office and FareShare have decreed that everything collected during their November 21-23 appeal will go directly to FareShare who will distribute it to Trussell Trust foodbanks from a central distribution point.
“While we do not want to discourage local people from supporting this appeal, we will need to find another way of collecting all the many Christmas items we need to compliment the staple items we put in each hamper.”
The items the group particularly needs are: tins of ham, spam or corned beef, Christmas sauces, stuffing, crisps, nuts and savoury snacks, Christmas cakes, chocolate logs, Christmas puddings, mince pies, selection boxes, tins of biscuits, boxes of chocolates, pickles and jams, squash, toiletries.
Rev Seal continued: “We have previously been reliant on Tesco for their support with this, but this year we are asking the public to support us more directly.
“We know that you will; but ask that, this year, you do it through this route.
“We have already had a lovely lot of donations from South Holland the Deepings Labour Party to whom we are very grateful.”
* The Holbeach Community Larder and Sutton Bridge Foodbank are also on the look out for any volunteers who may be able to provide entertainment at the free dinner they provide on Christmas Day.
They’re also looking for those who may be able to provide transport to attendees.
Anyone who may be able to help can call the church deanery office on 01406 423460.
