Telford & Wrekin Council and Telford business Bridge Cheese are working together to supply food banks with food hampers before Christmas.
Bridge Cheese has donated 200 hampers, which have enough food for a family to make four evening meals.
Telford & Wrekin Council and local food bank Telford Crisis Support have welcomed the donation and are working together to distribute them in time for Christmas.
The hampers will be donated to food banks in the borough.
Around 1,200 extra food hampers will also be given out to children attending the Happy Healthy Active Holidays scheme, which provides free holiday clubs full of activities and a nutritious meal for every session for families claiming free school meals.
Michael Harte, Managing Director at Bridge Cheese, said:
“As a cheese and dairy product business, food is something we are very passionate about, and it’s unimaginable that people should be going without – at any time of year.
“So instead of sending corporate Christmas cards and gifts, we wanted to donate money to this initiative to support those most in need in our community.
“We hope the hampers will go some way towards easing the stress and worry facing families over the festive period, and that they can look back with positive memories of Christmas 2022.”
Bridge Cheese supplies cheese and dairy products to food manufacturers and the food service sector.
Established in 2018, the rapidly expanding company employs more than 60 full time staff at its headquarters and production facility in Stafford Park, Telford.
Simon Lellow, Operations manager at Telford Crisis Support, said:
“We have seen an unprecedented increase in requests from many families feeling the pinch of the current cost of living crisis.
“People have been cutting back for some time – buying less, going for the cheapest option, batch cooking – but they simply cannot cut back anymore.
“We all need to come together as we did during the pandemic and help our neighbours. Every food donation will benefit someone in their community. But we are much more than a food bank and urgently need cash donations.”
“We are here to help anyone who needs it, so please get in touch.”
Cllr Shirley Reynolds (Labour), Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families said:
“This donation from Bridge Cheese is incredibly generous and welcome.
“We are more than glad to distribute these food hampers and we will also add further food hampers to the number that will be given out.
“It is devastating that so many people in our borough are struggling to afford the basics.
“As part of the council’s continued support around the cost of living crisis, we are providing additional funding to charities like Telford Crisis Support.”
How you can help:
It’s really easy to donate food and toiletries to Telford Crisis Support at donation points across the borough.
Here’s how you can make a one-off or regular donation.
Businesses can offer financial help and sponsorship.
Telford Crisis Support can be contacted by calling 01952 586646 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) or emailing admin@telfordcrisissupport.org.uk
