Local food banks in Manchester are set to receive 1,200 meals this week thanks to an appeal by the north-west based national charity, the Vegetarian Society. The charity’s emergency appeal to raise funds to buy food was triggered following increased demand on food banks due to the coronavirus. The first batch of 150 boxes of food will be distributed this week at Manchester Central Food Bank. The Vegetarian Society is working with the Trussell Trust to get as many food boxes out to as many food banks as possible. To donate to the appeal, visit www.vegsoc.org/foodbank

Each food box contains the ingredients and recipe for two nutritious, hearty veggie meals, which will make eight servings of food. Each meal can be cooked in one go then eaten straight away, kept in the fridge or freezer.

Due to the coronavirus, nearly one million people have applied for benefits in the last two weeks. While these people are waiting for their money to come through, many of them will be relying on food banks. With food banks receiving fewer donations, they are desperately short of food.

Lynne Elliot, Chief Executive, the Vegetarian Society said: “We started the distribution of food boxes in our home city of Manchester, but we want to get food boxes out to as many food banks as possible. Your donation of at least £5 will provide this essential food for families, and the more you are able to donate, the more meals we will be able to get to people.”

The appeal has raised £36,390 so far with donations being made online at www.vegsoc.org/foodbank As well as members’ and supporters of the Vegetarian Society giving to the appeal, a number of businesses – including Bute Island Foods, Cauldron Foods, Flo, Granovita, Natracare, Quorn, Sacla and Suma have also donated thousands of pounds.

The Vegetarian Society is a national charity, based in Manchester.

ENDS
Notes to editors:
• Images of food boxes available.
• Contact su@vegsoc.org for more information or images