In the heart of West Midlands, where the impact of the cost-of-living crisis weighs heavily on many, a local charity Coventry Foodbank (part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust) is fighting this adversity by providing food parcels to those in low-income households.
Every day people in the community go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. Coventry Foodbank is aiming to relieve these burdens by providing food parcels and in the last year alone Coventry foodbank has fed over 23,000 people.
The organisation operates largely based on non-perishable food donations from schools, churches, businesses and individuals. Large collections often take place as part of Harvest Festival celebrations and food is also collected at supermarkets.
Looking to expand its offering, Coventry Foodbank has recently applied for and received a £7,500 grant through Access Programme managed by Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust which allowed the purchase of an industrial oven. This important investment has enabled the organisation to start offering cooked meal packs, an important addition to their current offering.
Access Programme offers grants as well as grant and loan combinations to West Midland charities and social enterprises. This programme is funded by Access - The Foundation for Social Investment and working in collaboration with the Coventry and Warwickshire CDA, who also provides organisations tailored mentoring to help them become more resilient.
The fund is specifically aimed at supporting local charities and social enterprises that are working to improve the cost-of-living crisis and are enterprising to become more financially sustainable.
Sheridan Sulskis, CEO of CWRT, said: “We are very pleased to have supported so many vital organisations in expanding their services, especially amidst the cost-of-living crisis when it’s most needed. Coventry Foodbank is just one example of how the Access Programme has supported local organisations. We are honoured to be part of their journey.”
Learn more about CWRT's services below.
