Southwark Foodbank, which is working to end poverty and hunger in its local area, has received a £1,000 donation from Barratt London’s Community Fund initiative. The housebuilder, currently working on a new development in Bermondsey, donated to the foodbank’s Feed a Family appeal to help those struggling during the winter months.

From April 2020 to March 2021 the number of people using Southwark Foodbank increased by 289% compared to previous years. As a result, the foodbank has helped a total of 18,978 people, both adults and children, by providing them with food parcels containing items donated by the local community.[1] January marked the end of the Foodbank’s Feed a Family appeal, a yearly programme designed to distribute over 100 supermarket vouchers and small Christmas parcels to local families. The campaign helped support families throughout the winter months, including those that celebrated Christmas differently, or not at all.

Chris Price, Chief Executive Officer for Southwark Foodbank, has commented: “No one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from, or go hungry this winter, and thanks to Barratt London’s donation we have been able to support even more struggling families throughout the local area. We’re very grateful for this support of our Feed a Family appeal and would like to thank the housebuilder for its generous donation.”

Through its Community Fund scheme, Barratt London seeks to support charities and organisations local to its developments to help communities thrive and create a positive legacy. The scheme allows the housebuilder to donate £1,000 each month to a charity or organisation working to improve the quality of life for those living in the local area.

Pam Reardon, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt East London, commented: “The long and dark months can be an especially hard time for those in need, with many often facing the difficult decision between putting food on the table or heating their homes. Through this donation to the Southwark Foodbank, we aim to help the charity in its work to support and provide for those who are struggling in the community, and hope things have been a little easier for them as a result.”

The Southwark Foodbank can be found in various Bermondsey locations. For further information regarding locations and opening hours of the Southwark Foodbank please visit https://www.pecan.org.uk/southwark-foodbank/.