A FOODBANK that supports families in Solihull and south Birmingham is calling on businesses to help boost stores as demand rises.
Community Essentials foodbank says it now hands out 125 free food parcels every week to vulnerable individuals and families in crisis.
The organisation says it has seen a 100 percent increase in demand for its parcels over the last month which has left it struggling to cope.
Stephen Palmer, who helped found the voluntary organisation, issued the plea to companies after local businessman Elliott Robinson delivered several bags of foodstuffs, donated by his clients, to its centre in Solihull.
Elliott, who runs oven valeting service Ovenu Solihull, has been collecting tinned and dried goods along with some fresh produce over the past few weeks after hearing Community Essentials was in need of support.
Using his work van, he took the bags to its Olton base, where volunteers repack the items to create food parcels containing a minimum three days’ worth of meals.
Community Essentials began life as Essentials Delivery in March 2020 when founders Stephen Palmer and Sapphire Poles saw local people struggling to afford toiletries and food.
Stephen said: “We are grateful to Elliott for his support and would appeal to other local people and businesses to help us make a difference by donating foodstuffs or money to help with our running costs.
“We have seen a 100 percent increase in demand for our emergency food parcels over the past month – rising from around 60 up to 125 per week, and I can only see that continuing to increase as more people find themselves needing help.”
Elliott said he was inspired to do something positive for those left struggling by the current cost-of-living crisis.
Community Essentials is open five days a week and does not require referrals.
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