'As winter bites, we are especially busy' - Kind donation gives a Christmas boost to Black Country Foodbank

Martyn Richardson from the foundation, based in Oldbury, visited the foodbank in Brierley Hill to see for himself how the charity works and the type of support it offers to people in need.

The foodbank helps vulnerable individuals and families in crisis by providing three days of emergency food and toiletry supplies, while a longer-term solution is developed. 

The charity was established in 2006 and was set up to feed local people experiencing hardship. It now has distribution centres in Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall.

Jen Coleman, chief executive officer at the Black Country Foodbank, said: “This is a really welcome donation at a very important time for us. 

"The cost of living crisis is very real for so many people who are struggling to provide the basics for themselves and their families. As winter bites and with Christmas just around the corner we are especially busy with more referrals coming into us on a daily basis.

“So a big thank you to the Richardson Brothers Foundation for their kind donation. It will go a considerable way towards supporting people in need over the next few weeks and months.”

Businessman Martyn Richardson added: “We recognise these are incredibly tough times for many people and that foodbanks are providing amazing support to people who find themselves in very challenging situations. 

"We are pleased that, through the foundation, we can donate to different food banks both in this region and further afield, to help them get food and other essential items to people who find themselves in difficulty.

“We hope the money will make a positive difference and allow the food banks to replenish their stock, so they can continue to make a positive difference to people’s lives.”