FOOD banks in Dorset have an opportunity to benefit from a new fund set up by the Southern Co-op.

The Co-op has made an initial donation of £5,000 to its 'Feed a Family Fund' so local food banks can start applying for help straightaway.

It is also asking its customers and members to donate to its fund which will enable local groups to purchase equipment or cover running costs.

The grants of £200, which will be distributed via the online platform Neighbourly, will ensure the funding helps a wide number of food banks and reaches those who need it most, says the Co-op.

Holly Bramble, Southern Co-op's community and campaign co-ordinator, said: "Our customers, colleagues and members have been incredibly generous throughout the pandemic.

"They have been donating goods at all of our stores that have collection points and have helped thousands of people being supported by 44 different food banks.

"At the start of the pandemic, we also donated £100,000 to help a variety of local causes including FareShare - the UK's largest hunger fighting charity. But more needs to be done.

"There are pockets of poverty in a number of areas where we have colleagues working in retail stores, funeral care and coffee branches.

"We know this won't solve the crisis but we really hope this fund will help reduce the strain faced by so many families."

Donations to the Feed a Family Fund can be made at the till in a Southern Co-op retail store or via www.neighbourly.com/FeedAFamilyFund.

Visit the website to find out more information about applying for the grants.