College donates to food bank to help those in need

Sunderland College is helping a local food bank feed the vulnerable people and families in crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the college moving to online teaching and learning, unused stock from campus refectories have been passed to the Sunderland Food Bank to be distributed across Wearside. 

Dozens of boxes of crisps, cookies, brownies, chocolate bars, fruit juice and soft drinks have been collected by the foodbank from Bede Campus. 

Darren Lawton, Education Partnership North East’s Food and Beverage Manager, said: “With the majority of our students learning remotely fromat home we didn’t want the stock to go to waste. 

“The college prides itself on being at the heart of the community and we are proud to support Sunderland Foodbank and help those who need it most.” 

The Foodbank was founded by local churches and community groups in 2017, who are working together to stop hunger and receives support from Sunderland City Council, Sunderland AFC, local businesses and supermarkets across the region. 

Sunderland College’s donation will enhance emergency food parcels which will be available at collection points throughout the city for those facing increasing hardship. 

Jo Gordon, Sunderland Foodbank Coordinator, added: “We were overwhelmed by Sunderland College’s generosity and the amount of stock donated. 

“We have amazing supporters behind us and it’s amazing to see the community pulling together at such a challenging time.” 

In addition to donating food, Sunderland College also gifted hundreds of pieces of essential personal protection equipment (PPE) to keep front line NHS staff safe during the outbreak. 

If you require immediate help from Sunderland Foodbank, call Citizen’s Advice free on 0808 2082138 or 0300 3301194. To make a donation, visit www.sunderland.foodbank.org.uk/.