Member Article

Businesses join forces to feed vulnerable families

Online value retailer Approved Food joined forces with fellow businesses to provide essential supplies for food banks across Yorkshire. The impact of coronavirus on food bank usage has been huge, with a surge in demand for essentials. The Trussell Trust, the country’s biggest food bank network, reported its busiest ever period after lockdown was introduced, when 50,000 food parcels were handed out in the space of just one week – almost double its regular volume. Meanwhile, donations nationally have fallen and volunteers – many of whom are elderly – are forced to self-isolate. To help ease supply issues, Barnsley-based Approved Food teamed up with Confex Ltd and Friesland Campina to distribute pallets filled with supplies for charities in South and West Yorkshire. More than 11,000 bottles of Yazoo flavoured milk were donated by manufacturer Friesland Campina through Confex, a national buying group. Added to the pallets were 2,500 toilet rolls, donated by Approved Food. Approved Food MD Andy Needham said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on all our lives but the most vulnerable in our society are among those who have been hardest hit. More families than ever have had to turn to food banks or face going hungry – and if food banks run short of supplies, this could spell disaster for families who are struggling. “We were only too happy to team up with Confex and Friesland Campina to replenish the shelves of food banks in five Yorkshire towns. Special mention must also go to Core FM, Abdul’s Restaurant in Wakefield. City Growth in Sheffield, Hirsche Automotive and Barnsley Enterprise, who all played a part in the donations reaching those who need it most.” The donations will go to Fareshare in Barnsley; St Catherine’s Church Centre, Wakefield; the food hub of Inn Churches, Bradford; Batley Food Bank; and Sheffield’s Food Works.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kate Wobschall .