A day of giving | 75 years of CEF

For 75 years, our communities have supported us. As part of our ‘Day of Giving’, we’re saying ‘thank you’ by supporting local food banks across the country through our CEF Cares programme – one act of kindness at a time. From 1st June to 15th July, we’re collecting donations to help local food banks support people who need it most.

It’s a simple idea. Use what we have as a business to make a real difference locally.

And we’d like you to be part of it.

Community food drive

We’re using our reach, our branches, and our people to help local communities where it matters most.

Every CEF branch has set up a food bank collection point. Our teams are already getting involved. Now we’re inviting customers, suppliers, and the community to join in.

It’s simple:

Collect what you can from the list below
Drop it into your local branch
Know it’s going straight to a nearby food bank

What can you donate?

We’re collecting non-perishable food and essential toiletries. These are items that food banks need every day.

Here are some good examples:

Tinned food such as vegetables, soup, meat, or fish
Pasta, rice, and noodles
Tea, coffee, and long-life milk
Breakfast cereals
Biscuits and snacks
Toiletries like soap, toothpaste, and shampoo

If it’s long-lasting and essential, it will go to good use.

Where to drop your donation

Every CEF branch has a dedicated collection point, ready and waiting.

All you need to do is find your nearest branch and pop in when it suits you.

Find your nearest branch and drop-off point

Why it matters

Food banks across the UK are under real pressure. Demand is rising, and every donation helps them keep up.

By working together across our network, we can:

Support local families and individuals
Strengthen the communities we’re part of
Make a tangible impact, branch by branch

It’s not about big gestures. It’s about consistent, collective effort.

Key dates to know

1st June – Collections begin
15th July – Last day to donate
16th July – Donations delivered to local food banks

Be part of it

We’ve been part of local communities for 75 years. This is one way we’re giving something back.

Drop into your local branch, leave what you can, and help us turn a small act into something bigger.

Find your local branch