In the build-up to Easter, Salisbury Radio and the Journal, launched a new donation appeal to help local food support projects make sure that those in need didn’t go without food this Easter. 

In support of Salisbury Foodbank, Salisbury Pantry and the community-led Longhedge and Old Sarum Pantry, organisers collected around 500kg in the Tesco donations, around 200kg at the football club and a further 500kg on the final collection from schools and businesses.

Salisbury Journal: All of the donations collectedAll of the donations collected (Image: Salisbury City Council)

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Maria Stevenson, Manager of the Salisbury Foodbank said “The Salisbury Radio Easter appeal has brought more to us than just food. It’s forged connections. 

“The Easter appeal took some pressure off us as a charity in the short term. We need to find ways to maintain that momentum. The number of people accessing Salisbury Foodbank is at an all-time high, food donations do not match demand.” 

Salisbury Journal: Donations given to Salisbury Pantry

Abi Blake, Manager of Salisbury Pantry, added “This support has kept shelves of Salisbury Pantry full this April, while we have been supporting around 400 households. Our core values at the Pantry are Dignity, Hope and Choice. These donations gave our members the opportunity to pick up the things that most meet the specific needs of their families and also brought a real sense of hope, leaving the members feeling supported by their community rather than on the edges of it.” 

Gemma Phillips from Old Sarum and Longhedge Pantry, Gemma Phillips added: “What a wonderful appeal. It’s so humbling to see the people of Salisbury coming together to help others when things are so tough for us all. It was also really good to raise awareness that we are here to help.”. 

Organisers also wanted to thank Ozweld International for collecting all the donations at no cost.