People Group donate to local food bank

As December rolled around and with all staff working from home, People Group payroll director Martin Polden floated the idea of a food bank donation to replace the usual office Secret Santa this year. Staff jumped at the opportunity to provide some support to the local community.

Roll out the military operation of gathering goods safely in the short window of opportunity post lockdown 2.0 and prior to the food banks Christmas deadline.

On Friday 04 December 3 trolley loads of goods were donated to the local foodbank, handily just across the People Group car park.

Payroll Director Martin commented:

“It was clear that secret Santa couldn’t take place this year for obvious reasons and my wife suggested to me we should make a donation instead. It’s been a tough year for all of us, particularly those who have lost jobs or seen reduced income because of the pandemic. It was a really great effort from the team and the donation was thoroughly appreciated by the foodbank. It may be that we make this an annual event in future.”

The Trussell Trust’s new report reveals how coronavirus has affected food bank use:

  • New analysis forecasts a 61% increase in food parcels needed across its network in October to December – Six parcels given out every minute
  • During the start of the pandemic around half of people who used a food bank had never needed one before
  • Families with children have been hardest hit
  • The charity is clear the situation can be turned around if this evidence is prioritised and acted upon by government during the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review and budget

Read the full report.