Young people lend a hand at upcoming Salisbury food drive

Salisbury residents are being encouraged to support a community food drive as part of Sarum Academy’s Citizenship Day.

The event is taking place in the Market Square on Wednesday, 8 July, between 10.30 am and 1.30 pm.

This initiative is a partnership project by the Salisbury Foodie Network, including Wiltshire Council, Sarum Academy School, Salisbury Foodbank, Old Sarum and Longhedge Pantry and Salisbury City Council’s Salisbury Pantry, bringing together local organisations to support residents in need.

With the support of several community partners and local organisations, around 150 Year 7 pupils will be taking part in the Citizenship Day, designed to give young people the opportunity to volunteer within their local community and experience the benefits of getting involved in positive, hands-on activities.

As part of the day, over 20 students will be actively supporting the food drive, working alongside volunteers from Salisbury Foodbank, Salisbury Pantry and Old Sarum and Longhedge Pantry, to receive and sort donations, raise awareness of the items most needed, and speak with residents to encourage support.

Friendly volunteers and students will be on hand throughout the day to collect donations and chat to members of the public.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Wiltshire Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see our young people stepping forward to support such an important cause in the heart of their community. This food drive is a wonderful opportunity for residents to come together, donate what they can, and show their encouragement for the students taking part.

“We would encourage anyone who is able to drop by Market Square on the day, have a chat with our volunteers and students, and contribute if they can. Community support is vital to keeping these services running.

“We’d also remind residents that support is available through Wiltshire Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund for those facing financial hardship, helping ensure that no one in our community is left without the essentials they need.”

While food donations often increase during key periods such as Christmas and Easter, local food projects can struggle to maintain supplies throughout the rest of the year. Community support during quieter months is vital in helping these services continue to meet demand.

Salisbury Pantry, run by Salisbury City Council, currently has 329 approved members with a household reach of 639 people. Old Sarum and Longhedge Pantry, a community-run charity, also supports around 70 households weekly, with approximately 400 households registered. With demand continuing to rise, both pantries rely on regular donations of tinned and packaged goods to keep their shelves stocked for those who need them most.

Salisbury Foodbank continues to play a vital role in supporting local residents, providing emergency food supplies to individuals and families facing crisis. Like many foodbanks across the country, it relies heavily on community donations to meet ongoing demand and ensure no one in the community goes without essential support.

Demand for local food support has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting ongoing pressures on households. Initiatives such as this food drive play an important role in helping ensure support remains available for those who need it most.

The food drive in the Market Square is a chance for the whole community to come together, support local projects, and encourage the next generation to see the value of volunteering and giving back.

Residents are invited to drop by, donate items if they can, and show their support for the students taking part. Items required include tinned meat and fish, meals in a tin (chilli con carne, curry, stew, etc), rice (500 g), tinned potato and instant mash, tinned fruit, long-life fruit juice and squash, cooking oil and condiments, long-life desserts (rice pudding, custard, jelly, sponge pudding), biscuits, spreads for sandwiches.