Morrisons rolls out pre-packed food bank donations

Supermarket Morrisons has created food parcels that can be bought and then donated to food banks at the checkout.

Morrisons' 'Pick-up packs' will help stock food banks with things they need.

The supermarket’s new ‘Pick Up Packs’, which cost between £1 and £3, contain a mix of food products that have been requested by local food banks based on the products which clients actually need.

Food banks are often overwhelmed by products such as rice and pasta and short of other items.

The packs were created by Morrisons staff member Michelle Leary from Basingstoke, who noticed that customers struggled with what to donate to food banks.

The pre-packed parcels mean that customers do not need to spend time browsing the shelves for items to donate. After a successful trial, they are now being rolled out nationally.

Food banks in Scotland in June recorded their largest ever increase in emergency food parcels going to children. The Trussell Trust said it had had its busiest month ever due to the pandemic.

Rebecca Singleton, community director at Morrisons, said: "The UK’s food banks are a lifeline for the most vulnerable in our communities and these parcels are an easy way to donate to them. At Morrisons, we want to play our full part in feeding the nation and ensure nobody gets left behind.”

Customers can pay for the packs at the till with the rest of their shopping. The pack is then put aside and collected by volunteers working for the food bank.

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