Mental health and food insecurity are among top causes for convenience store charity, finds Co-op

Over the past five years, the Co-op’s Local Community Fund has raised £100m for local communities.

In order to mark the achievement, the Co-op analysed data from its latest funding round to find the  biggest challenges faced by communities.

These included mental wellbeing, the impact of lockdown on young people’s education, and rising food insecurity.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and shared value at the Co-op, said: “Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen more Co-op members than ever play an active role in supporting their community by selecting a cause.

“Our insight has told us that support for mental wellbeing, access to food and education, and employment for young people are key for helping communities as they get back on their feet.”

Kim Haigh, director at Edinburgh Food Social, one of the causes helped by the Co-op, said: “Thanks to Co-op members we’ve been able to educate and inspire young people and communities about the value of good, local, seasonal food.

“The money raised has provided cooking classes and workshops, giving those at risk of unemployment valuable cooking skills in the hope it will lead to a career in Scotland’s food and drink sector.”

The group’s membership programme sees 2p in every pound spent on Co-op branded products and services shared equally between two funds – the Local Community Fund and the Community Partnerships Fund.