The Exeter-based communications company has given a Peugeot van to the charity to assist with collecting and distributing food to individuals and families in crisis.
Harry Langley, South West Communications Group’s managing director, said: “One of our close business associates and Food Bank volunteer Keiron Northcott helps collect food donations from supermarkets, food companies and harvest festivals around the city and he mentioned the charity desperately needed some suitable transport.
“We already support several local charities and we had a vehicle available, so we were more than happy to support this worthy cause too amid these tough economic hard times which some people are struggling to cope with.”
Exeter Food Bank was set up to feed local people in crisis. The project was started by the Trussell Trust, a Christian charity that has helped start Food Banks across the country. Long-life food is stored at The Mint Methodist Church in Exeter and then sorted into food parcels for the needy in receipt of vouchers distributed by local statutory agencies and charities who assess people’s needs.
Joy Dunne, Exeter Food Bank co-ordinator, said: “We have fed more than 2,500 people since Exeter Food Bank started in 2008. With the economic climate testing the budgets of so many families, our service is becoming more and more vital. We are grateful to South West Communications Group for their generous donation in that it will assist the wonderful work carried out by our volunteers in providing food for the neediest people in our city.”
South West Communications Group also supports The C Group, the Exeter Foundation, the Prince’s Trust, Vranch House and Wooden Spoon.