The Big Easter Appeal collects over one tonne of donations

Monday, 25 March 2024 00:00

Salisbury Radio's Big Easter Appeal, in association with Salisbury Journal, has received donations that weigh in at an astonishing 1.2 metric tonnes.

Over 3000 items were donated over the last week and a half after the city's local radio station and newspaper highlighted a need locally to support our foodbank and pantries.

The demand on foodbanks and pantries has never been greater, thanks to the financial pressures of high inflation and the cost of living crisis. Record numbers of households are using them as money becomes tighter.

Children from Kingsgate Primary in Amesbury handing over their donations to the Big Easter Appeal (Image: Salisbury Radio)

Although the amount of items collected is amazing, at current use levels, the items collected will only last for less than a week, with our local foodbanks and pantries handing out over 25,000 items every month between them.

Donations were made at Tesco Extra on Southampton Road, at Salisbury FC's match with Merthyr Town and by local businesses, schools and other organisations in the last week.

Andy Munns from Salisbury Radio said, "Salisbury and the surrounding area has shown its generosity as it always does. It's amazing how much has been donated... But.

"What has been donated is just a small amount of what is needed to keep our foodbanks and pantries stocked, so as we end our Big Easter Appeal, we urge people to keep donating.

"Please keep adding an extra item or two to your weekly shops and leave them in the collecting bins at the supermarket or take them directly to the organisations."

Businesses collected too, including at Salisbury Medical Practice (Image: Salisbury Radio)

Salisbury Foodbank supports foodbanks right across the area from Durrington to Downton and Wilton. Generally you need to be referred to the foodbanks.

Salisbury Pantry and Old Sarum & Longhedge Pantry support people struggling to afford a regular shop with their low-cost social supermarkets, supporting people living in their respective parish areas. There is no need for a referral, and you can just arrive when they are open.

All organisations are also on the lookout for more volunteers.

Andy added, "Thank you to all the local schools, businesses and organisations that have supported the appeal. We have had an amazing response."