Ipswich Family Bank launches collection box drive for businesses

Why it matters: Demand for food and household essentials has increased during the cost-of-living crisis, with the foodbank saying many everyday items have become unaffordable for the families it supports.

The details: Ipswich Family Bank, founded in 2020, is a volunteer-led initiative supporting local people facing difficulties by providing food and other essential items throughout the year. It is now asking businesses across the town to host a small collection box in their office or staff room, with the boxes collected each month so businesses do not need to arrange drop-off themselves.

Items requested include: pasta, long-life juice, nappies, toilet paper and shower gel. All food donations must be in-date and non-perishable. The tabletop boxes are designed to fit in most office and community spaces.

What they're saying: Michelle Symonds, founder of Ipswich Family Bank, said: "We have been operating in Ipswich for six years and the people we support are at the heart of what we do. Now more than ever, with the cost of living becoming increasingly less sustainable, families are in need of simple items such as emergency food hampers, toiletries, cleaning products and other non-perishable goods.

"We are so grateful for any donations to the foodbank. It immensely helps families and individuals who are struggling and any business who can take a collection box are supporting us in ways we can't describe."

For context: Local communications agency PLMR East of England, which has been supporting the charity, will help organise the collection of the boxes each month.

Tim Miller, managing director of PLMR East of England, said: "The Ipswich Family Bank has such a wonderful, hardworking and caring team who provide essential support to people in need. The cost of living crisis is putting increased pressure on families and individuals in the town and these donations are more important than ever.

"We encourage every business in Ipswich, if they can, to take a collection box to donate food and essential items to Ipswich Family Bank. It will help more than you know."

The bottom line: Hosting a box requires no more than a small space on a desk or in a staff room, with collections handled monthly, making it a simple way for Ipswich businesses to support families in need.

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