A FOOD bank is calling on people to sign up for a month-long exercise challenge to help boost its coffers.

Swindon Food Collective launched its partnership with the RunVEMBER challenge to raise money and collect food donations.

Throughout November, those who sign up will complete sponsored physical activities and collect one item of food for the collective’s boxes every day.

Cher Smith, manager for the Swindon Food Collective, said: “This awesome event will help us raise vital funds to keep our service operating through 2020 as well as helping to fill our shelves with food that can be given out to those in need."

Participants pledge to undertake to run or walk a mile, cycle five miles or swim for 20 minutes every day.

Cher said: “This is all about a community challenge.

“It’s a good introduction to getting fit and most people already do this sort of exercise, even if they don’t realise it.

“If you already do it, why not get recognition for it and help a charity?” she said.

Over the past year, Swindon Food Collective has fed 6,200 people – 1,000 more than last year – and given out over six tonnes of food.

“Thanks to the generosity of the local Swindon and surrounding areas we have been able to meet this increase in demand for help,” said Cher.

“There’s huge pressure on families at the moment, from high rent and bills, as well as school holidays where there are no free lunches or after-school clubs.

“And at this time of year we’ve got the elderly to think of, who are making the choice between heating or eating,” she added.

“This is one way of people being able to help their neighbour, support a local charity and get fit at same time time,” Cher said.

Contributors can raise sponsorship through the central RunVEMBER fundraising page or their own Virgin Money page by choosing the Swindon Food Collective details.

Boxes of food can then be donated to the food bank at the end of the month or in the first week of December.

Running vests are available to those taking part for a suggested donation of £10.

“I look forward to seeing many of the participants out around the streets of Swindon in their shirts when they are running, walking or cycling,” added Cher.

“Thank you all for taking on this mission to help those families who are less fortunate than ourselves,” she said.

A list of group and fancy-dress runs that people can get involved in across Swindon in November is available on the RunVEMBER website.

Individuals can sign up at runvember.co.uk.