Dorset care homes supporting food banks this Christmas
Colten Care sites are keen to support the services and need our help
Last updated 25th Nov 2020
Care providers in Dorset are helping food banks amid a dip in donating due to lockdown.
Fewer people are donating to food banks at the moment, despite a rise in demand for the serivces, so Colten Care is stepping in to plug the gap.
Recent studies carried out by the Trussell Trust show families with children are hardest hit by food poverty since the start of the pandemic.
Colten Care is inviting donors to drop off food in their collection boxes across Dorset to make sure foodbanks get the stock they need.
Mark Aitchison, Colten Care's Chief Executive, said:
"One consequence of Covid-19 and lockdowns has been that many food banks have seen a drop in donations while need has increased.
“We have therefore decided that in the run-up to Christmas, our homes will be helping to collect donations on behalf of their local food banks.
“People can simply come with food items and put them in a collection box near our reception or front door.
“We will gather and take the items to the local food bank who will then include them in the food parcels they provide to their clients.
“This initiative is a way we can support vulnerable families and individuals in the communities we serve during the pandemic.”
The group is also directly donating food and inviting it's regular suppliers to do the same.
Jono Tregale, Chair of Trustees of Sherborne Food Bank, said:
“We are very grateful to Colten Care for their support.
“We have a continual need to source food. We’re currently working with around 25 families a week, providing them with enough food to see them through.
“Food banks are seeing a surge in demand due to the impact of ongoing lockdown restrictions, rising unemployment and household financial crises.”
You can find out more at: www.ColtenCare.co.uk