Food banks in Birmingham, Coventry and the Black Country have had an extra helping hand this Christmas thanks to donations from the Richardson Brothers Foundation (RBF).
Many of the region’s food banks have reported increased numbers of people needing their support this winter and there are expectations referrals will rise even more over the next few months.
The RBF has stepped in to give donations ranging from £1,000 to £3,000 for five food banks in recent weeks, with more submissions coming in. Organisations supported to date include: Black Country Food, Dudley; Coventry Food Bank; Erdington Food Bank; St George's House, Wolverhampton and Top Church Training in Dudley.
Since the Coronavirus outbreak the numbers of people needing help has gone up significantly. Food banks have become a lifeline for many individuals and families,
providing emergency food and support to people in crisis.
Martyn Richardson from the Richardson Brothers Foundation, said:
“We know these are incredibly tough times for many people and that food banks are providing amazing support to people in need. We are pleased that, through the foundation, we can donate to different food banks across the region to help them get food and other essential items to people who find themselves in difficulty.
“We hope the money will make a positive difference and allow the food banks to replenish their stock, so they can continue to make a positive difference to people’s lives.”