Romsey Foodbank receives £2,000 donation from Barratt Homes

During the cost-of-living crisis, people are using food banks more than ever and they are seen as a vital lifeline in the community.


The donation came as part of the Barratt Developments Plc Charitable Foundation, which is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the homebuilder operates.


Beth Tanton, Operations & Centre Manager at Romsey Foodbank, said: “This generous donation will go towards the running of Romsey Foodbank, one of a list of community projects we run here at the Freedom Centre.


“Staggeringly, one in five people in the UK are now living below the poverty line, so, along with other foodbanks in the country, we are working to ensure no one goes hungry."


Romsey Foodbank has been passing on food supplies to vulnerable people in the local area for nearly seven years. It relies on food donations from the community along with support from its 40-strong team of volunteers.


Like other foodbanks in the UK, the organisation partners with a wide range of care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, and police, to identify people in crisis. Those referred are then issued with a foodbank voucher, which can be redeemed for three days' worth of emergency food.


Beth continued: “This money will mean we can continue to provide this essential support for the local area. It will also go towards other projects we are working on, which all address the underlying issues people in food crisis face, such as employment and debt advice.”


The Freedom Centre is part of Freedom Church, a non-denominational church that started meeting in a home in Romsey over 40 years ago. Since then, the church has grown into a pivotal part of Romsey life, running community projects that have helped hundreds of local residents.


Anthony Dimmick, Community Liaison Manager at Barratt Homes Southampton, said: “Romsey Foodbank is providing a wonderful service for people experiencing poverty in the community, and when we heard about their work, we had to help. It has been a real pleasure to hand over this donation today.” 


More information about Romsey Foodbank can be found at their website. 


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