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First Scottish college joins FE food bank initiative

First Scottish college joins FE food bank initiative

A total of 30 colleges have now joined the drive to raise money for local food banks

30th April 2020, 12:16pm

The First Scottish College Has Joined A Foodbank Initiative Now Involving 30 Fe Institutions

Glasgow Clyde College has become the first Scottish college to join the FE Foodbank Friday initiative, taking the total number of colleges involved to 30.

More than £27,000 has now been raised for food banks in the initiative, launched by London South East Colleges last month to support its local communities through and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, the campaign attracted the support of Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, who recorded a message of support that received thousands of views, likes and shares on social media.

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Growing the campaign

Sam Parrett, chief executive and group principal of London South East Colleges, said the message had helped the campaign to grow, encouraging colleges from all over the country to sign up.

She added: “By coming together with other colleges in this way, we can really make a positive difference within our local communities. FE Foodbank Friday certainly represents the importance of our civic role and it’s fantastic to see something so positive coming out of the challenging Covid-19 pandemic.”

Glasgow Clyde College joined the campaign yesterday, and the college, one of three in the city, will be aiming to raise £1,500 for Glasgow food banks, with donations shared equally across all four of its Glasgow locations: North East, North West, South East and South West.

Before the college closed owing to the coronavirus lockdown, students were able to collect free surplus food on a Friday afternoon from the canteen, and earlier this week, all existing food supplies including snacks and bottled drinks were donated to local food banks.

Jon Vincent, principal of Glasgow Clyde College, said: “It is clear that the Covid-19 pandemic is having a hugely negative impact on the lives of many people. Financial hardship and economic uncertainty is a significant issue, and we are pleased to be the first college in Scotland to join the FE Foodbank Friday initiative to support our local communities.”