Housebuilder Denbury Homes makes significant donation to Cambridge City Foodbank as demand continues to rise.
A foodbank serving the needs of residents in Cambridge has received a grant of £3,000 from housebuilder Denbury Homes through its charitable fund. The grant will allow the charity to purchase more than 1,700kg of food to supplement the food donations received from local organisations and the public.
Cambridge City Foodbank operates from eight locations around the city. Visitors are referred by partner agencies including social services, the NHS and Citizens Advice, and receive a voucher for a three-day emergency food parcel to be collected from one of the Foodbank locations. The Foodbank also works with numerous partner agencies to offer other financial, fuel or social support services, either at the Foodbank or through separate referrals.
Speaking of the donation, Steve Clay, CEO of Cambridge City Foodbank said: “This year, for the first time in our 13-year history, we have consistently supported over 1,000 people every month with emergency food packages, and we are supporting almost 14% more people compared to the first nine months of 2022. September was also our busiest month so far in 2023, and, as we approach the winter period, we only anticipate being busier.
“As well as causing hardship for those struggling to feed themselves and their families, rising prices of food and fuel have also meant that we have seen a gap opening up between donations and need as people focus on the demands of their own household. We are so grateful to companies, such as Denbury Homes, whose generosity is helping meet the shortfall between donations and demand.”
Speaking during a visit to the foodbank, Joshua Hopkins of the Denbury Charitable Fund and Land Director at Denbury Homes said:
“It’s been a pleasure to visit Cambridge City Foodbank today and find out more about the work they are doing to support vulnerable members of the community. Rising prices for food and fuel have affected everyone but for those struggling to make ends meet the foodbank provides an essential lifeline, helping to feed families and offering advice and support in other areas.”
The grant was facilitated by the Cambridge Community Foundation, CEO Michael O’Toole said: “Demand for support from services such as Cambridge City Foodbank is expected to continue rising as we head into the colder months. We are delighted that Denbury Homes has been able to support this charity with a substantial grant to help them meet this demand.”
Since 2017, the Denbury Charitable Fund has given out over £1.6 million in the form of grants, donations and through initiatives including a regional charity vote. If your group or charity would like to apply for support, please contact the Cambridge Community Foundation.
Cambridge City Foodbank is reliant on the work of dedicated volunteers and a small body of staff. To find out more information visit https://cambridgecity.foodbank.org.uk/