Homebuilder Bellway is collecting donations for Uttlesford Foodbank at its Poppy View development in Saffron Walden.

A donation box has been set up in the sales office at Poppy View where visitors and staff can contribute.

The foodbank, which has served the communities in Uttlesford for a decade, is facing an upsurge in demand for its services because of the pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

In 2019, for example, the foodbank distributed 600 emergency food parcels across the district during the year, while their average over the last 12 months is nearly 1,800.

Uttlesford Foodbank general manager, Katy Mendes-Day, said: "Uttlesford Foodbank has been supporting the communities of Uttlesford for 10 years this year, providing food and essential household products for individuals and families who find themselves in times of financial crisis.

"We have seen an exponential rise in demand for our services since the pandemic, increasing three-fold in the last four years, and we are now facing the added pressure of dwindling donations due to the cost-of-living crisis.

"We’re incredibly grateful to Bellway for their interest in and support for the work that we do."

The drop in donations has forced the foodbank to use its funds to buy supplies, while it previously relied entirely on donations.

The donation box will be at Poppy View until Sunday, August 25.

Jenny Walker, sales director for Bellway Essex, said: "It is heart-breaking to think that people are in such need that they do not have enough food, or lack other essentials.

"Thank goodness Uttlesford Foodbank is working to provide this lifeline.

READ MORE

"We are happy to support its efforts with our donation of food and by keeping a donation box in our sales office so that those who visit us at Poppy View can also add to the supplies."

Currently the foodbank, which operates from a warehouse in Saffron Walden and also has depots in Stansted and Dunmow, is severely in need of items such as nappies and children’s toothpaste.

They are also currently running low on tinned fruit, vegetables and pulses, together with bottles of squash, oats, soup and instant coffee.