For the tenth year running, Cambridge City Foodbank has launched its annual Christmas Hamper Appeal in partnership with Cambridge Sustainable Food and Cambridge City Council. The appeal invites individuals, organisations and businesses to pledge to donate a hamper containing festive treats, hygiene items and essential food, which are distributed to those in need across the city over the Christmas period.
Over the past 12 months, the Foodbank has experienced the highest level of need for its support in its 14-year history. In total, the charity issued almost 17,500 food parcels, an 18% increase from the previous 12 months. To meet the growing need, the Foodbank is aiming to at least match its total number of pledges from last year (700) to ensure that everyone facing food insecurity is supported at Christmas.
As in previous years, Cambridge City Foodbank’s Christmas Hamper Appeal is organised in collaboration with Cambridge Sustainable Food and Cambridge City Council. Cambridge Sustainable Food is accepting fresh fruit and vegetable donations, while Cambridge City Council is accepting toys which will be included in the hampers.
Cllr Rachel Wade, Executive Councillor for Communities at Cambridge City Council said, “The Christmas Hamper Appeal is a great initiative that has been helping to make sure that everyone has a special Christmas for the past decade. Thank you to everyone that has donated in the past and I hope to see that same sense of care and community continue into this year, especially with the increased demand on food banks.
“Everyone deserves to experience the magic of the festive period and for many struggling parents this is a time of high pressure where they may be worrying about making sure their children have a good Christmas whilst still making ends meet. Christmas is a time for giving and that shouldn’t be limited to friends and family – it is an opportunity to support those in our community who may be struggling.”
Steve Clay, Cambridge City Foodbank’s CEO said: “This year has really tested the limits of our capacity to support everyone who needs us. The level of need that we’ve faced has been unprecedented and, despite our attempts to provide additional support to people facing crisis through our partnerships with other organisations, the need continues to rise.
“For many, this will be the most challenging Christmas of their lives. Christmas should be a time to be with loved ones and to celebrate, and we hope that through our campaign, we can spread a small amount of festive cheer amongst people who are struggling in our community.”
Sam Dyer, CEO of Cambridge Sustainable Food said: “Ending hunger and securing food justice in Cambridge is central to our work all year round, and the Christmas project plays a huge role in achieving those goals, with the rising demand demonstrating just how keenly food inequality is still being felt across the city. We hope this year's appeal will generate the same fantastic response from the community as it has previously, for every bag of fresh fruit and vegetables delivers more than just food; it spreads kindness, joy, and nourishment to the people of Cambridge who need it the most.”
How to support the appeal
Cambridge City Foodbank is asking those interested in donating a Christmas Hamper to register first. A collection will be held on Sunday 8 and Wednesday 11 December, but prior registration is required.
Register to donate a hamper at Cambridge City Foodbank.
Donate funds to provide fresh vegetables at Cambridge Sustainable Food.
Donate a game or gift through the John Lewis Wishlist or Light House Toys.
For mail order gifts, please set delivery to: Christmas Project, Brownsfield YCC, 31A Green End Road, Cambridge CB4 1RU.
Alternatively, (new) toys and games can be dropped off at NatWest bank on Petty Cury, CB1 3NE in opening hours or the council’s community centres; Clay Farm on Hobson Square, The Meadows on Arbury Road or Brownsfield on Green End Road in opening hours.
