Sheffield MP Louise Haigh urges people to donate to foodbanks during coronavirus crisis

A Sheffield MP has urged supermarkets and people across the city to donate to foodbanks during the coronavirus crisis.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Louise Haigh MP for Heeley has made the appeal following instructions from the government asking people to stay at home to stop the spread of the virus and only go outside for essential trips which includes going to work only if absolutely necessary.

As a result, many foodbanks are expecting a surge in demand, due to potential job losses and inadequate sick pay leaving some forced to self-isolate in hardship.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ms Haigh said: “In times of need our community always goes above and beyond. It has never been more important that we support our local foodbanks, to stop stocks dwindling.

Sheffield MP Louise HaighSheffield MP Louise Haigh
Sheffield MP Louise Haigh

“Times are hard for many, so I would urge those who can afford to donate to local foodbanks, to do what they can.”

She wrote to supermarket bosses across the country asking them to set aside stock for foodbanks and asked everyone who is able to, to set aside key products or volunteer to safely help distribute supplies to those who cannot get out.

How you can support food banks:

There are food banks across the city that need help.

You can find out where the nearest one to you is by checking the foodbank list at www.sheffieldfoodbank.org.uk/food-bank-list/.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The contact details of each centre are available on the list with guidance on how to donate and what specifically each centre is short on.

For example, S6 foodbank are currenlty in need of: washing machine tablets, coffee, fruit juice, washing up liquid and tinned tomatoes.

While Burngreave foodbank are low on items including: tinned rice pudding, long life milk, tinned vegetables, cooking oil, cereal, shower gel, deoderant and shampoo.

Food, essential items or money can be donated and people can also volunteer to help distribute to people who are unable to go outside.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

More than 90 percent of the food distributed by foodbanks in the Trussell Trust network is donated by the public, which is why it is important supply is kept up especially during crisis times such as now.