Edinburgh MP urges supermarkets to allow shoppers to donate to foodbanks online

SUPERMARKETS are being urged to allow customers to donate online to local foodbanks as well as through collection points in stores.

Foodbank use has increased dramatically during the pandemic and is projected to rise further

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has written to the heads of UK supermarkets suggesting they add a donation option on their websites for people shopping online.

She said the number of people using foodbanks had increased during the Covid crisis and was projected to rise further with the second wave and many people were keen to support the most vulnerable during the winter months.

Most supermarkets have in-store foodbank donation points but Ms Jardine said there had been a dramatic increase in shopping from home because of the pandemic.

She said: “None of us want foodbanks to be necessary but many, many people who want to help them are finding it more difficult in this crisis.

"If you are not able to go to the supermarket, but want to donate food or essentials it would be useful if websites could include a section for you to do that.

"We know it’s possible, and there have been periods where some have done it, but it would be helpful if the supermarkets could make this a permanent feature.

"I recently visited the foodbank at Gogarburn which has been doing amazing work for communities across the Capital by distributing food, clothes and other essentials and so many people want to be able to help the more we can do to facilitate it the better.

“Alarmingly, we know food bank usage is projected to increase further due to the continued economic situation and second Covid wave, and this would be a way of helping meet that greater demand."

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.