Car-loads of food donations have been distributed this December to the Trussell Trust this year as a result of an initiative by local business SYNETIQ. The business also raised £634 for the national charity through its annual festive fundraiser to help local residents in need during the festive season.
Food banks have been warning of unprecedented demand this Christmas as growing numbers of people struggle to make ends meet in the cost of living crisis.
Ahead of the autumn budget announced in November, food bank network The Trussell Trust called for urgent government action to tackle a “tsunami of need” which was set to hit charities across the country. The group said almost 1.3 million emergency food parcels had been provided by its network of partners to people in need between April and September, nearly double pre-pandemic levels.
The food drive is part of a global initiative by US-based owners IAA Inc. (NYSE: IAA). Colleagues from the UK, Canada and the USA were encouraged to consider a donation via the business’ virtual drives or to host a food pantry collection at their location.
“We know that Christmas is already a particularly challenging time for many, but this year is understandably going to be even tougher for a lot of households,” said Natalie Buckley, HR Director at SYNETIQ. “That’s why we felt there couldn’t be a better time to offer our support and help people in all kinds of circumstances. We’re so proud of the donations made by our colleagues and are so thankful for the help they give to people in their communities who need it the most.”
