Food banks benefit from Longhurst Group donations

Five food banks from across Longhurst Group’s operating region will benefit from donations totalling £5,000 after we pledged the money to support their work during the current tough times.

We have made the donation to support the vital services provided by these voluntary organisations as people try to deal with the impact of the current Coronavirus pandemic.

The organisations were chosen by our Community Investment Team and our Housing Team as we continue to do what we can to support the communities we serve.

Charmaine Simei, Director of Community Investment, said: “Working in social housing, we all understand the sadly pivotal role that food banks have come to play in society in recent years, not least for some of our more vulnerable customers.

“The current COVID-19 pandemic has seen these food banks stretched to breaking point, both in regards to food supplies, volunteers and in some cases food banks have closed due to the premises from which they operate having to shut their doors.

“Longhurst Group has therefore made a financial donation to support these vital community services.

“Food banks and their army of volunteers are truly local heroes, who continue to support some of our most vulnerable customers and the wider community.

Working in social housing, we all understand the sadly pivotal role that food banks have come to play in society in recent years, not least for some of our more vulnerable customers.

“We hope this money can help them continue their excellent work during these difficult and uncertain times.”

The five food banks to benefit from the donations are Rutland Foodbank, East Northants Community Services’ Rushden Foodbank, KingsGate Community Church – Peterborough Foodbank, We are One Foundation – The Food Larder in Grimsby and Foodbank in Boston.

Jo Burns, Operations Manager at East Northants Community Services, said: “This really is fantastic and will help us so much, particularly at the moment.

“We are likely to face a huge surge in demand and a reduction in donations due to the current pandemic, so this money will allow us to ensure we have enough stock and resources to help those in need.”