Bake Off star gives her support to FE Foodbank Friday

: Created: 27 April 2020

FE Foodbank Friday was launched by London South East Colleges last month, to support its local communities through and indeed beyond the Covid-19 pandemic. 25 other colleges have since joined the campaign, collectively raising over £20,000 so far for foodbanks.

TV presenter and novelist Prue has recorded a message of support for the campaign, urging other colleges to sign up. She kindly posted the message on her social media accounts, which has since received thousands of views, likes and shares.

View Prue’s message by clicking here

Job uncertainty, illness and self-isolation are leading to a record number of people needing to access foodbanks across the UK. London South East Colleges began collecting food donations in March to support people in need and then moved the fundraising online when its college sites had to close.

When colleges open back up, food donation bins will be placed on site but until then, the virtual fundraising continues.

Dr Sam Parrett OBE, CEO and Principal of London South East Colleges says: “We are so grateful to Prue for supporting FE Foodbank Friday. Her message has helped us to grow the campaign, encouraging colleges from all over the country to sign up.

“Prue has lent London South East Colleges much support over the past few years, including making a visit to our student-led BR6 Bakehouse when it first opened. We are hugely appreciative that Prue continues to support us at this most challenging of times."

London South East Colleges’ own FE Foodbank Friday fundraising page has already topped £5000 and continues to grow. The 25 other colleges now signed up cover the length and breath of the UK and more are expected to get involved over the coming weeks.

Dr Parrett adds: “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.”

Please click here if you would like to donate to our campaign