New Co-op store sets up Foodbank donation point

The Southern Co-operative store in Pound Street opened last week and has donated £500 to the charity and set up a permanent food collection point in the store.
The store has created 17 jobs and was officially opened by the chairman of West Berkshire Foodbank, Andrew Bruce.
Mr Bruce said: “[We are] delighted that the Southern Co-operative is opening a new food store in Newbury and that it is keen to support the work of the Foodbank with financial support and a permanent in-store food collection point.
“In its first year since forming in April 2013, West Berkshire Foodbank collected over 40 tonnes of food and fed 2,988 local people in crisis for food, including 913 children.
“Food donations are literally life sustaining to those seeking relief from their crisis hunger predicaments, including redundancy, unemployment and social fund reforms.
“We look forward to a strong ongoing relationship with the Southern Co-operative and the generous support of its customers.”
The head of sustainability at Southern Co-operative, Gemma Lacey, said: “Being actively involved in our communities supports our co-operative ethos and is an important part of the way we do business.”
Pictured, West Berkshire Foodbank chairman Andrew Bruce opens the new Co-operative supermarket in Pound Street, Newbury.
He is pictured with store manager Mike Hand and members of staff