Bracknell Business Improvement District (BID) has donated £1,000 to the Bracknell Foodbank to help people in the town experiencing hardship in the run up to Christmas
Bracknell Foodbank is part of a national network of foodbanks, giving out nutritionally balanced emergency food to people in financial crisis who have nowhere else to turn.
Based at Kerith Community Church in the centre of Bracknell, the Foodbank also looks to provide additional support to help people break the cycle of poverty by putting them in touch with other local agencies who can offer further support.
Maria Sabey, Head of Property at Fujitsu and Chair of the Bracknell BID Board, said: “The BID is pleased to continue its support of the local Foodbank by making a small donation to help to boost essential funds at a time when many within our community may need some additional support.
“The BID is also looking to promote ways in which others can help by safely making small donations or raising awareness.”
Claire Mather, Bracknell Foodbank Manager, said: “So far this year Bracknell Foodbank has provided over 4,500 people with emergency food parcels. With the anticipated increase in cost of living, end of furlough and recent cut to benefits, foodbank usage is sadly on the increase so donations such as the one from the BID are gratefully received.
“Monetary donations allow us to supplement our regular non-perishable food parcels with fresh food, essential toiletries and cleaning products as well as helping towards the cost of the day-to-day running of foodbank.”
Business Improvement Districts are business-led partnerships within a defined area, created through a ballot process to deliver additional services to businesses within that area. There are over 310 BIDs across the country.
The Bracknell BID was set up in April 2020 following a successful ballot by businesses in the Bracknell Southern and Western Business areas. It is made up of approximately 300 businesses, across retail, industrial, property and technology sectors. The BID aims to deliver infrastructure improvements and increased business growth and investment to the Southern and Western Business Areas.
To date, Bracknell BID has funded and delivered cycleway and walkway improvements including new pathway surfacing and vegetation cutbacks, new and upgraded navigation signage, a new subway mural, amenity enhancements including a new 5K running route and the development of pocket parks, inter-trading and networking events, public accessible defibrillators, security enhancements and dedicated PCSOs, with much more to be delivered in the New Year.
Bracknell BID is managed by Partnerships for Better Business who also manage several other BIDs across the country.
For further information about Bracknell Foodbank, latest news and ways to support, see the Foodbank website www.bracknell.foodbank.org.uk or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/BracknellFoodbank