Cathedral Quarter launches food bank appeal

The Cathedral Quarter has launched a food bank appeal in support of Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance.

Venues and shops across the Business Improvement District are accepting donations from shoppers who would like to support the community.

QUAD, in the Market Place, the AGA shop, in Queen Street, Thrive Mind Village, in Iron Gate and Foulds Guitars, in The Strand Arcade, will be acting as collection points.

The aim is to encourage Derby shoppers to donate non-perishable food items, and hygiene products, to help those in need across the city.

The last day for donations will be Thursday 30 November.

Brad Worley, BID manager for the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District, said: “We wanted to do our bit to help, and we are very grateful that four businesses agreed to act as a collection point for donations.

“When you’re out and about, it would be fantastic if you could drop something off so we can build up a decent collection for Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance.

“The collection points will be open until the end of November and then everything will be delivered to the charity in Charnwood Street.”

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that Derby had 23,000 children living in poverty last year.

In 2022, Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance gave out 20,314 food parcels to support families.

With the cost-of-living crisis continuing for many, fears are growing that this winter could be tough.

Paul Brookhouse, manager of the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, said: “Thousands of people in Derby are now relying on food bank support and numbers keep going up. Right now, we really need everyone’s help.”