HOUSEBUILDER FIGHTS FOOD POVERTY IN ALDERSHOT DURING LOCKDOWN

With nearly 6 in 10 families struggling to cover the costs of three or more basic essentials including food, utilities, and rent due to the pandemic,* Aldershot housebuilder Barratt Homes is helping to end hunger during lockdown by supporting local charity The Vine Centre. The housebuilder has made a donation of £1000 to help fund the charity’s Vine Dining food package scheme during lockdown.

Originally a social enterprise providing training placements in the catering industry, The Vine Dining initiative set up its food distribution service during the first lockdown, providing over 200 meals a week to the community in and around Aldershot. The donation from Barratt Southern Counties will enable the charity to continue to cook and deliver nutritious meals and ingredient packages to the members of the community that are most in need. Individuals in crisis can be referred for support from The Vine Centre by a care professional, GP, school, or support worker, or can contact the centre directly for help on [email protected].

Lynnette St-Quintin, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt Southern Counties, said: “Many individuals and families are hit hardest with food poverty during the winter months, and during the Covid-19 pandemic those numbers have risen dramatically. Community initiatives like the Vine Dining scheme are a lifeline for vulnerable families and individuals, and we are proud to support this crucial scheme.”

Mary Webb, Business Development Coordinator at The Vine Centre, comments: “When Covid-19 struck we knew that we had to do something to help our community. We have provided support to hundreds of individuals, including those that are shielding or self-isolating, unable to make ends meet, or are experiencing a mental health crisis. We are very grateful for the donation from Barratt Homes, which will help us to continue to support those who need us most.”

Barratt Southern Counties is currently building new homes at its Bruneval Gardens development in Aldershot, with prices starting from £137,750 for a 50 per cent share on a two-bedroom apartment.