FOOD banks have been installed at Swindon stores to make it easier for people to donate the much-needed goods.

The Midcounties Co-operative has launched a new scheme at its town stores to help meet the growing demand for emergency food packages throughout the area.

Food banks are now in place at The Midcounties Co-operative’s Old Town store, with the Society’s food and funeral teams taking part.

Dedicated in-store bins have been introduced to encourage people to donate an item from their shopping to the food bank, which provides support to people in Swindon.

Further food banks can be found at the food stores at the Crossways, Groundwell Road, Ermin Street, Cavendish Road and the Beechcroft, along with the Walcot Nursery.

Items collected will be donated to Swindon Food Bank, in Whitbourne Avenue, which provides parcels for individuals and families struggling to afford to buy food themselves.

Phil Pike, store manager at The Midcounties Co-operative’s Crossways food store, said: “As a co-operative, our community is at the very heart of all that we do and the launch of our in-store donation point will help us to continue to give something back to people in Swindon.”