UNISON East Midlands launches #OneExtraItem campaign to support working families being plunged into poverty.
As more low paid workers are forced to rely on food banks just to make it through the week, UNISON East Midlands has pledged to support local charities, churches, and community organisations in making sure their shelves stay full.
The trade union has asked its members to donate tinned food as well as hygiene and sanitary products in their #OneExtraItem campaign. The donations will be collected by branches across the region and distributed to their nearest food bank.
The very first delivery was made to Mary’s Foodbank in Sutton-in-Ashfield, located in the constituency of Conservative MP Lee Anderson.
Derby’s Aspire Food Hub, Revive Healthy Living Centre in Chaddesden, and Eastwood Volunteer Bureau have also received donations from generous UNISON members.
UNISON East Midlands organiser Rosie Bartram says: “For thousands of low-paid workers across the region, the struggle gets worse with every passing month. With prices surging and wages slumping, many households don’t have enough cash to cover the basics.
“Proper pay rises will ease financial hardship, protect essential services and put money back into forgotten local communities.”
UNISON Derby City branch secretary Becky Everett says: “If you are a UNISON member who needs help please get in touch in confidence. We have experienced welfare officers who can help, advise and support you through this stressful and difficult time.”
