Devon homebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter is pleased to announce a donation of £3,000 to Paignton Community Larder, a foodbank serving the Paignton community with essential food parcels. This donation is part of Barratt David Wilson Homes’ commitment to supporting local communities, particularly during challenging times such as those exacerbated by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Founded in 2017, the Paignton Community Larder has been instrumental in helping families and individuals facing food poverty and crisis situations. The Larder has become a beacon of hope for many in need, who are referred to the service by Torbay Council, the NHS, schools, and other local community charities.
In response to the increased demand for their services since the onset of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, the Paignton Community Larder has seen a significant rise in the number of meals they provide, from 40,000 in 2019 to an astounding 115,000 in 2023. This surge in demand underscores the critical role organisations like the Paignton Community Larder play in supporting vulnerable members of the community.
With only one full-time and two part-time members of staff, plus the dedication of 26 volunteers who contributed 4,000 hours in 2023, the Paignton Community Larder relies on generous donations to meet the growing needs of the community. While food donations are essential, monetary contributions are equally vital in ensuring the sustainability of their operations, particularly during times of heightened economic hardship when food donations are difficult for many to make.
While exploring innovative ways to support local people, in 2023 the charity opened the Paignton Community Supermarket, a means-tested way for people to shop for far less than they would in a standard shop. With customers asked to make a small financial contribution towards their food shop, the supermarket is empowering people while also providing more sustainability to the foodbank.
Andy Bichard, manager at the Paignton Community Larder, said, “We are grateful to Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter for their generous donation. At a time when more and more individuals and families are struggling to meet basic needs such as rent and bills, including some of those with full time jobs, our foodbank and Community Supermarket are more vital than ever. This funding will go directly towards supporting our day-to-day operations, including providing food parcels and signposting to those who need them.”
Nicki Reid, sales director at Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter, said, “We hope our donation will make an impact on Paignton Community Larder’s ability to continue providing essential services to those most in need in this part of Devon. Barratt David Wilson Homes remains dedicated to supporting initiatives such as the Larder that improve lives and strengthen the local communities in which we build homes.”
For more information about Paignton Community Larder and how you can support their efforts, please visit their website at paigntoncommunitylarder.org.uk
Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are currently building much-needed new homes in Devon, including at Berry Acres in Paignton. Wherever you are in your new home journey, Barratt Homes is here to support you and offers a range of schemes including Part Exchange Guarantee and the Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme.
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