Trades against the virus is a campaign to boost the stocks of food in the nation’s food banks in preparation for the escalating public health crisis. Many foodbanks have already run out of food, and others are struggling to help their clients who are amongst the most vulnerable in our society.
Recent supermarket shortages are adding to the pressure.
The core idea is that merchants act as drop-off point, and use their considerable marketing power to encourage their customers to drop off store-cupboard basics for onward shipment to a local foodbank. If the merchant has the logistic capability, they might extend this to offering a collection service from donors or even a delivery service on behalf of their local foodbank.
Under normal circumstances we would be setting up a steering group and putting together a proper project plan. However, I don’t believe that we have the time to do that, as the country might go into lockdown at any moment, and the window of opportunity would be lost. Therefore I am suggesting that we each make our own plans and launch our own initiatives, either under the “Trades against the virus” banner, or as part of your own CSR initiatives. It really doesn’t matter who gets the credit!
Here are the next steps that I am asking participants to take:
Alongside the standard food parcel, food bans try to provide some essential non-food items to adults and children in crises.
The list sets out what food ban generally need the most, but please always check with you local food bank before donating to see what supplies they are currently most in need of.
Than you for doing what you can to help.
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