Asda Foundation supports small, grassroots groups at the heart of local neighbourhoods, its goal is to build resilient communities by addressing local challenges and social needs. It aims to achieve this by providing funding to local grassroots community groups to enable them to meet the diverse needs of their local area.
The cost-of-living crisis is still a reality for many, and the reliance on the vital support of local foodbanks, community pantries and other organisations is still very high. Asda Foundation launched its Foodbank Fundamentals grant programme to provide support to these groups with the challenging costs they face.
Whether it’s stocking up on essential food items that groups struggle to cover with regular donations or investing in new appliances that will increase the number of people local groups can support each week, the grants will help support local good causes.
Martin Criddle, from Boston’s Centenary Methodist Church which received £1,000 to purchase white goods for its community lunch scheme plus a further £400 to deliver a Christmas meal for the lonely and isolated on 25th December, said: “We are in our 5th year of serving community meals in the church hall. We cook hot, nutritious meals from scratch using donated items mixed with good quality food purchased from local suppliers. The funding will enable us to buy a new commercial freezer. We receive donations of fresh local fruit and vegetables and we often find that we are overloaded with generosity of the same type of produce.
“A good-sized freezer, rather than the cast-off domestic ones we currently use, will enable us to parboil and freeze produce and use in the lean winter months. This will add to the nutrition of our meals and help our budget to secure the future of the service in these difficult financial times.”
Both Boston Food Bank, working from Boston Stump, and Skegness Food Bank operating from The Storehouse, Skegness each received £1,000. The grants will help the groups’ volunteers to continue to supply food parcels for individuals and families to provide three meals per day for three days. With the projects facing ever increasing bills for the public and client demand on the rise, the Food Banks are often very busy and as a result, low on supplies.
Centrepoint Outreach received a total of £1,800. The money will help support its own foodbank activities as well as providing cold weather clothing and hygiene essentials for homeless and vulnerable clients as we move into the winter months. The Red Lion Street Christian charity will also use the cash to provide a hot turkey Christmas dinner in December for those who find themselves homeless or in need.
Asda Boston’s community champion, Stephen Bromby, said: “I am thrilled to be able to present this funding to local causes. This money will help to support people in the community around our store who are struggling, or may feel lonely and isolated. Having volunteered with many of the groups, I’ve witnessed first-hand just how important these schemes can be for many and I’m delighted that we’re able to offer these grants to help those who may be in need.”
Karl Doyle, Chair of the Asda Foundation, added: “Foodbanks and local food organisations provide support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities when they are facing hard times. We know that they are a lifeline service to many, often facing high demand with the added pressure of shortages in donations and volunteers. We hope this Asda Foundation funding can support their needs in the final months of the year”
