Food bank deserves marathon investment (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Food bank deserves marathon investment

A GROUP of businesses have clubbed together to help feed the needy in Swindon. As previously reported in the Advertiser, there are plans to open a food bank in the town.

Food banks work by supplying nutritional food to families on the breadline, through vouchers handed out via doctors, health visitors and social workers.

Bob Hayward, managing director of Swindon training firm OPC, pictured, is one of the main forces behind the bank and is preparing to run six marathons in six days in America's Death Valley to raise at least £35,000 enough to fund the bank for a year.

A warehouse in Swindon is being supported by Rialto Design, Networking Live, ACT Group, Exel Logistics and The Bible Society.

Mr Hayward said: "The challenges faced by the food bank are considerable, and as part of a lively and vibrant business community, a group of us have decided to endorse and support the amazing work carried out by the charity as it launches a food warehouse.

"We have joined together to promote the message of the food bank.

"According to Government statistics, one in six adults and more than one in three children live close or at the edge of their finances.

"They are one small problem away from a major crisis, such as having no food or not being able to provide basic living requirements for themselves."

The food bank is operated by The Trussell Trust, a Christian charity which already runs banks in Gloucester, Redruth and Salisbury and aims to reduce poverty.

Mr Hayward said: "The food bank is such a worthwhile cause and to be able to help the wider community where we work is so rewarding we have all decided to shout about it.

"The food bank needs support and assistance, and we are doing everything we can to get them where they need to be."