In a powerful show of community spirit, the teams behind Barratt Homes Bristol, David Wilson Homes South West and the Wichelstowe Joint Venture (JV) are launching a month-long food donation drive in support of the Swindon Food Collective, kicking off on National Food Bank Day on 6 September. Throughout September, staff members and contractors working to build Wichelstowe will bring food donations to work, with all contributions being handed over to the charity at the end of the month.
This initiative is the latest in a long-standing tradition of support from the Wichelstowe teams, who have consistently stepped up to help the local food bank during challenging times. Their efforts come at a crucial moment, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to strain the resources of charities like the Swindon Food Collective.
Over the years, these teams have not only provided financial support but have also gone above and beyond to meet the growing needs of the charity. Last year, a team of carpenters from the Wichelstowe development designed and built a much-needed storeroom for the charity to ensure it could continue its vital work serving hundreds of families in the area.
Reflecting on the initiative, Daniel Pavely, Project Director – Wichelstowe, said: “Our teams have a long history of supporting local charities and the work done by the Swindon Food Collective is incredibly close to our hearts.
“With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, initiatives like the Swindon Food Collective are more essential than ever and we’re proud to continue our tradition of support. We hope our combined efforts will alleviate some of the pressure on the charity, ensuring that no family in our community goes without.”
Swindon Food Collective has seen numbers of people needing their help increase massively over the past few years. From April 2023 to March 2024, the charity fed 10,350 people. It operates 11 Distribution Centres with centres in Lyneham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Highworth, Freshbrook, Penhill, Parks, Moredon, Liden, Stratton St Margaret, the town centre and Wroughton.
National Food Bank Day on the first Friday in September encourages people to commit to contributing to the cause that believes no one should go to bed hungry.
