A RECORD amount of food donations has helped The Midcounties Co-operative to support more than 230 families living in poverty in Wyre Forest.

Shoppers, members and colleagues in the region donated more than 9,000 food items to groups in the last year, including Home-Start Wyre Forest and The Trussell Trust’s network of food banks in the area.

Donations from The Midcounties Co-operative’s Food stores across the region have enabled Home-Start Wyre Forest, which offers support to parents of young children, to provide dried and tinned food to families facing difficulties.

The collections at stores in Wyre Forest have contributed towards the society donating 100,000 items to foodbanks throughout the regions it operates in, 30% more than the previous year.

Belinda Darby, Manager at Home-Start Wyre Forest, said: “With more young families in the area facing financial pressure, The Midcounties Co-operative’s donations have enabled us to help parents reduce their food bill and still access the food they need.

“It is only with the generosity of The Midcounties Co-operative’s shoppers and colleagues in Wyre Forest that we are able to offer this vital service, so we are incredibly grateful for their support.”

Bob Richens, Leadership Team Ambassador for Wyre Forest at The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “We’re proud that the efforts of our colleagues and shoppers in Wyre Forest have enabled groups like Home-Start to provide much-needed support to local families.

“We will continue to work with charities and foodbanks in Wyre Forest, and with the help of our customers, will strive to provide even more food donations in 2019.”