Asda romoves food bank collection points.. How we might respond

On 18 Feb 2016, at 18:15, <info@raftfoundation.org> <info@raftfoundation.org> wrote:

Hello Greg and Gillian,

For some reason every time I try to respond to the Feeding Lancashire group all emails bounce back hence my sending this direct to you Gillian.

With regard the earlier email asking if we can verify the Guardian article about Asda removing all food bank donation points please see below.

We did previously also ask ASDA to consider reinvesting back some of the money raised from sales of carrier bags as an in kind donation of actual carrier bags to foodbanks such as the Raft Foundation. That request was rejected and we were informed Alzheimer's charities will be the only recipients of money raised from carrier bag sales. Much as we also support such causes the response was rather disappointing.

We were informed after the annual conference in Leeds 2 weeks ago that all community champions were given no clear explanation just a very firm instruction that all unmanned permanent donation points in every Walmart store be removed.

 

I expressly say Walmart as this affects all permanent donations points, not just foodbanks but for example in Rossendale The Hospice and Bleakholt animal Sanctuary in every Walmart store internationally.

 

There was some reference to having permanent donation points putting them at risk of 'preferential treatment ' of some groups above others. In store manned collection days available are doubled with the argument that will somehow replace these points. Hardly plus this would mean even more volunteer time needed – at a time when we are all already looking at the potential of additional fundraising to buy carrier bags. The Raft Foundation have projected that if donations of those dry up at least £500 extra funding needs to be raised to buy the bags needed each year.

 

The reality is that people spend money in store for food banks on a daily basis to donate when and where is convenient to them. I am reliably informed that on the first Saturday this was implemented in Rawtenstall a regular donator went to customer services to ask where the donation point had gone. On being told Walmart's new policy the customer insisted they take the items purchased back demanding, and receiving a refund. Whilst disappointed the donations were lost to us it did conjure up an image.

 

Imagine a protest hour where people within an agreed time frame people all over the country went to their local Asda customer services trying to find the local donation point to donate items just purchased. I have a visual image of a very British queue forming and photos posted and shared of customers , in a very orderly fashion waiting to make the enquiry then demand a refund J

 

You may also be interested to know that a petition has already started after people read the Guardian article Link below which you might consider signing and sharing

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/asda-to-reinstate-charity-and-food-bank-collection-boxes-in-its-stores?source=facebook-share-button&time=1455762261

 

Kind regards

Caroline Collins

Senior Community Organiser

The Raft Foundation

Tel: 07874206854