FAMILIES in Droitwich struggling to afford food this summer are being supported by cash grants from Western Power Distribution (WPD).
The electricity network operator has awarded grants totalling £73,000 from its Community Matters Fund to charities, local councils and community groups across the West Midlands to help families struggling to put food on the table.
It’s widely recognised that children have been among the worst affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and that many families are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet, due to the rising cost of living.
During the school holidays, there is always higher demand at food banks, often from families that rely on term-time free school meals – and research in 2019 highlighted that there were three million children at risk of ‘holiday hunger’.
Amongst the beneficiaries announced is Droitwich Spa and Rural Council for Voluntary Service, which has been awarded £2,232 to provide extra food for its ‘Community Fridge’ service.
Its chief executive Tonia Enderbury said: “Thanks to Western Power Distribution, we are able to continue and expand our Community Fridge, which will enable us to support more families within the community.
“The Community Fridge has brought people into the community centre where they have been able to access and identify other support that Moving Forward can provide.
“This includes employment, housing and benefit support, debt advice and direct links with fuel suppliers to access fuel vouchers, CAB and PCSO clinics and varying educational and wellbeing courses.”
WPD spokeswoman Alison Sleightholm, said: “Holiday hunger is a very real and pressing issue in communities up and down the country, and at WPD we have an obligation to support families facing this problem in the communities we serve.
“We’re pleased to be able to support community groups, charities and local authorities in the West Midlands that are working hard to improve the quality of life for families over the holiday period and beyond, and we look forward to seeing their projects deliver vital benefits.”
