The Revd Canon Nigel Rawlinson, University Chaplain at the University of Bath, with students from the Christian Union, is organising the call for donations to Bath Foodbank, which is run by the Genesis Trust – a charity providing support to homeless and vulnerable people in Bath.

Students are being asked to donate non-perishable food, including tinned food, cereals, and pasta, as they clear out their fridges and prepare to go home. The donations are being collected at the University’s Claverton campus in the University Ecumenical Chaplaincy, next to the library.

So far they have already delivered two loads to food banks at St Barnabas’ Church, Southdown, and St Michaels, Twerton. Perishable food can be dropped off at Julian House. They are collecting every day until after the weekend.

Nigel Rawlinson said: “Many students are preparing to travel home to be with their families and continue their studies remotely. Rather than throw away, or travel with, unused food items, many students are taking the chance to help others by supporting Bath Foodbank. These students are aware of the sharp increase in demand, and need, for essential food items among Bath’s most vulnerable citizens. Supporting the Pack for Good initiative is likewise a way to give something back to the community.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has clearly underlined how much we’re all connected and depend on one another; we’re very proud of how many of our students are seeking to make a positive contribution.”

University of Bath students are also continuing to support the British Heart Foundationthrough the Student Community Partnership’s‘ Pack for Good’ campaign. The initiative encourages students to donate quality unwanted items to the charity as they clear out their accommodation. Over £544,000 has been raised since the initiative’s launch in 2012.

Face-to-face teaching ceased on 17 March for undergraduates and those taking taught graduate courses for the remainder of Semester 2, which ends on Friday 29 May 2020. Teaching at the University is being reconfigured so that it can be delivered online.