Southern Co-op is set to bring festive cheer to the Isle of Wight this December by giving away free Christmas food shops and offering funding to community groups through its annual Winter Fund.
Shoppers on the Isle of Wight could be surprised at the tills as part of the ‘Magical Moments’ campaign, which will see 500x £30 grocery shops given away across Southern Co-op stores.
The initiative aims to ease financial pressure for local households over the holidays, with free festive treats ranging from essentials to premium Irresistible Range items.
Alongside this, Southern Co-op will distribute £75,000 in funding through its 2025 Winter Fund. Fifty community groups, food banks and charities providing warm spaces and meals could each receive a £1,500 grant.
The fund is being delivered in partnership with Neighbourly and is now in its third year. Since launching in 2023, over 100 good causes have benefited from the scheme.
Simon Eastwood, Chief Operating Officer at Southern Co-op, has said:
“Winter presents real challenges for many communities, and our Magical Moments campaign is all about offering tangible support when it’s needed most as well as bringing those unexpected moments of joy to people’s day.
“From backing local groups doing vital work via our Winter Fund, to helping customers shoulder the cost of Christmas with free festive shops, we look forward to celebrating this special time of year with our colleagues and our customers in Isle of Wight by giving a little back.”
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Applications for the 2025 Winter Fund are open now and will close on 30th November 2025. Local groups can apply via www.neighbourly.com/winterfundsoco2025. Funding will be issued in early January, with successful applicants confirmed before Christmas.
The fund is open to eligible groups across the South, including the Isle of Wight, and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Well done CO-OP every little helps.