SOUTHAMPTON'S MP has backed the Daily Echo's campaign to help food banks through the summer.

Boost the Bank, sponsored by Company Shop, was launched yesterday in partnership with Southampton City Mission.

Thousands of people rely on the charity's network of food banks, but as the cost of living crisis carries on, demand rises and donations drop. 

Read more: 'Donations always drop in the summer, but this time it's worse than ever' - Echo's new food bank campaign

This is why we have joined forces with Southampton City Mission to urge people who can to donate to drop-off points across the city.

Daily Echo:

Royston Smith, Conservative MP for Southampton Itchen, said he "fully supports" the efforts of volunteers at the banks.

He said: "The increase in prices and the cost of living is affecting everyone, particularly the most vulnerable.

"The generosity of people has been and continues to be remarkable.

"I fully support the efforts of the volunteers who are working hard to keep supplies stocked and encourage people to continue their generosity for those people across Southampton who are really struggling."

Labour MP Alan Whitehead added: "I would encourage people who feel able to donate to foodbanks. However, with so many people struggling with the cost of living crisis, we are bound to see more and more demand."

The charity - which fed nearly 15,600 people last year - has seen many more people use their Basics Bank food banks in the last few months.

It has also seen a drop in donations and is running out of many important items.

Vicky McKillen, manager of the food bank, said: "There is always a drop in donations in the summer, but it is worse than what we have seen before.

"People were very generous during Covid. People saw the need for it. But people who may have donated in the past are feeling the pinch now.

"This time last year we had a stock of stuff. But at the Shirley food bank last week it looked like they had been robbed. There was no food whatsoever.”

Daily Echo:

We are encouraging readers to donate, where they can, to the 14 drop-off food collection points in the city:

  • Asda, The Marlands
  • Lidl, Nursling
  • Lidl, Shirley
  • Nisa Local, Maybush
  • Little Waitrose, John Lewis
  • Sainsbury's, Bitterne
  • Sainsbury's, Hedge End
  • Sainsbury's, Lordshill
  • Sainsbury's, Portswood
  • The Co-Op, Sholing
  • Sainsbury's, Shirley
  • Natwest, Bitterne
  • The Co-Op, Archers Road
  • The Co-Op, Mayflower Halls

These are the out-of-stock items urgently needed:

  • Tinned hot meat (curry, pies, stew)
  • Tinned cold meat (ham, spam)
  • Cook-in sauces (jars and packets)
  • Coffee
  • Tinned fruit
  • Custard
  • Jams and spreads
  • Hot chocolate
  • Tinned rice pudding
  • Tinned veg

For up-to-date information, visit: southamptoncitymission.co.uk/get-involved/how-to-donate and dailyecho.co.uk/boost-bank

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News