An upside down Christmas campaign to alleviate food poverty is launching – this June.
Norwich Foodbank is appealing for donations this summer, through a new campaign called Upside Down Christmas.
The need for foodbanks increases in December, so in a bid to make the most of its quietest time of year the foodbank is launching a campaign in the summer.
It is set to launch on June 18, with eight days of suggested, targeted donations, ending on June 25 – exactly half-way to Christmas day.
A video and picture for each day of the campaign has been put together for suggested items needed most by Norwich Foodbank, including rice pudding and jam, instant mashed potatoes, tinned meat, tinned fish, tinned tomatoes and financial donations.
The videos will be posted on Norwich Foodbank's social media and website at www.norwichfoodbank.co.uk from June 18 to 25.
Those taking part in this campaign are encouraged to bring their donated items to the warehouse at 51 Ivy Road in Earlham during the normal opening hours of Monday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 1pm.
Hannah Worsley, project manager, said: 'Sadly, we are an all-year round service and while the need does increase in December when we give out close to 1,000 food parcels.
'Donations are needed throughout the year and we hope this campaign will encourage people to give in the summer months.
'This will be their Christmas giving rather than giving in December.'
In December 2017, thanks to a Reverse Advent Calendar campaign, people in Norwich got behind the foodbank by donating 7.3 tonnes of produce.
The school summer holidays will also see the foodbank continue its FISH project (Food and Fun In School Holidays) across seven sites, where low income families are invited to enjoy a free hot meal and take part in free activities.
Meals are supported by foodbank and supermarket donations, as well as grant funding.
FISH is in its 4th year of running, with clubs having taken place in 10 areas across Norwich.
In the summer holidays of 2017, more than 300 children attended one of six clubs and more than 900 meals were served.
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