Thousands of meals help locals across Bristol & South West Around 52,000 meals have been donated to families and individuals in need across the South West thanks to members of a regional co-operative. Southern Co-op is saying thank you to its members and customers who have used its food or funeral services and enabled funds to be donated to FareShare South West. The total donated to the charity is currently more than £19,000. The praise comes during Co-op Fortnight which kicked off on Monday 21 June and will see co-operatives across the country celebrate the impact their members have had on society.
Bristol Community Cafés has three cafes around Bristol, providing food to between 30 and 90 people every single week. They serve up the warmest welcome along side food and a chance to socialise. For many, it might be the only time they get a proper, home cooked FareShare South West, based in Bristol, is one of a network of 21 similar centres located hot meal each week. across the country and currently reaches Michelle said: "We'll use anything and turn organisations and families across Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Devon it into something. The food from FareShare South West means we can produce hot meals and Cornwall. for everyone and charge very little - and still have money for extra treats and special Holly Bramble, Southern Co-op's Communifoods." ty and Campaign Co-ordinator, said: "As a co-operative, every time someone buys their groceries from us or gets support from one of People at the cafés have seen a lot of change in their regulars since they first started visitour funeral homes, it could be adding to the pot of money which gets donated to charities. ing. Michelle recalls one gentleman, Morris, who used to be incredibly shy. “Over the last year, FareShare has become a name that is instantly recognisable as a char- Michelle said: "Now though, he's the life and soul here - he's always dressing up, getting ity which has helped so many people struggling during the pandemic. Its networks have us laughing along with him. It's amazing the change in him." made such a difference. Thank you to our customers and members who have enabled To find out more about Bristol Community this support of such an incredible cause.” Cafes click the image above. International Day of Co-ops falls at the end of Co-op Fortnight on Saturday 3 July. In Bristol, one community interest company supported by FareShare South West is Bristol Community Cafés - an idea thought up by Michelle Ford and her mother Gillian Flower on a mission to end the loneliness and isolation in the area. 32
