THE Labour leader of the city council has said many wages "don't cover the basics" as she urged people to donate to food banks this summer.

Satvir Kaur, leader of Southampton City Council, has backed the Daily Echo's Boost the Bank campaign.

Sponsored by Company Shop, and in partnership with Southampton City Mission, the Daily Echo is urging people who can to donate to the charity's drop-off points across the city.

Thousands of people rely on the charity's network of food banks, but as the cost of living crisis carries on, demand rises and donations drop. 

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Cllr Kaur, who has launched a bid to become the Labour MP for Southampton Test, said that in the current cost of living crisis many people in the city cannot afford the basics.

She said: "We're in a cost of living crisis. Sadly, [there are] too many individuals and families within Southampton whose wages don't cover the basics like food, heat and rent.

"More and more our communities need to rely on food banks. While a short term fix, until we have national policies in place to support struggling people, we must come together and support those that are falling between the cracks in our city.

"If you can and are able, please support this campaign and donate to your local food bank."

MP for Southampton Itchen, Royston Smith, has already backed the campaign, saying that he "fully supports" the efforts of volunteers at the banks.

Labour MP Alan Whitehead added his support, encouraging people "who feel able" to donate. He also warned that we are bound to see more demand in the crisis.

We are encouraging readers to donate, where they can, to the 14 drop-off food collection points in the city:

  • Asda, The Marlands
  • Lidl, Nursling
  • Lidl, Shirley
  • Nisa Local, Maybush
  • Little Waitrose, John Lewis
  • Sainsbury's, Bitterne
  • Sainsbury's, Hedge End
  • Sainsbury's, Lordshill
  • Sainsbury's, Portswood
  • The Co-Op, Sholing
  • Sainsbury's, Shirley
  • Natwest, Bitterne
  • The Co-Op, Archers Road
  • The Co-Op, Mayflower Halls

These are the out-of-stock items that are urgently needed:

  • Tinned cold meat (ham, spam)
  • Coffee (small jars)
  • Custard
  • Nappies size 5+
  • Noodles (packets)
  • Tinned mixed veg
  • Tinned fruit
  • Tinned peas
  • UHT Milk
  • Squash and drinks
  • Tinned tomatoes

For up-to-date information, visit: southamptoncitymission.co.uk/get-involved/how-to-donate and dailyecho.co.uk/boost-bank

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