With more people expected to rely on food banks this winter due to the cost-of-living crisis, the McCarthy Stone Foundation has donated £500 to an anti-poverty charity in Arnold to help hard-pressed families this Christmas.
The donation comes as a study revealed 10 million children and adults in the UK are experiencing food insecurity.
Part of the Trussell network, the Arnold Foodbank at Daybrook Baptist Church on Mansfield Road provides emergency food supplies and practical support to local people in need. In 2023, it supplied 2,397 three-day food parcels. Daybrook Baptist Church also runs ‘Kettle’s On!’, a free warm space every Wednesday morning between 10.30am and 12pm during which free breakfast is served and guests, who don’t need to be Foodbank users, can mingle and join in a range of activities.
As part of its commitment to making a positive difference to people’s lives, the McCarthy Stone Foundation said it hopes the donation will help alleviate some of the pressure on families at this time of year, so they can enjoy the magic of Christmas.
The foundation supports grassroots, volunteer led charitable causes that promote the health and wellbeing of older people. It is the independent, registered charity of the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities, McCarthy Stone, which is due to begin construction work on a new Retirement Living development on Mansfield Road in Daybrook.
Helen Lloyd, manager at Arnold Foodbank, said: “The foodbank is a vital resource in Arnold, helping to provide food and other essential items to those in need. Christmas can be a tough time for families, especially when combined with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
“It is our busiest time of year, which is why donations are more important now than ever.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the McCarthy Stone Foundation for their generous donation which will go a long way in ensuring locals don’t go without food on Christmas. We also welcome their help, as part of our work focuses on engaging with older people in the community, so it’s a natural fit for us.”
Declan Fishwick, Business Development Manager at McCarthy Stone, added: “Right now, many families are under increasing financial pressure from inflation and high energy prices, which means many will be forced to choose between putting food on the table and buying presents. This is a choice no one should have to make, which is we’re supporting the Arnold Foodbank.
“Their contribution to the community is outstanding and we’re delighted to be able to chip in and help make a difference at this special time of year.”
