Miller Homes Drives Appeal for UK’s Busiest Foodbank

LEADING housebuilder Miller Homes has helped the UK’s largest foodbank stock up to ensure those most in need in the region do not go hungry this autumn.

The leading housebuilder asked members of the public and residents living on its North East developments to support its appeal in aid of Newcastle West End Foodbank by making food donations at its sales centres.

Since opening in 2013, Newcastle West End Foodbank has grown to be the largest foodbank in the UK and in 2016 fed more than 40,000 people. Part of The Trussell Trust, the foodbank offers three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis.

Thanks to kind donations, Miller Homes collected a variety of essential items including UHT milk, tinned soup, baked beans, tinned vegetables, teabags, pasta and rice and long-life juices for the foodbank.

Andrew Somerville, regional sales manager at Miller Homes North East, said: “With one in five of the UK population currently living below the poverty line we wanted to help those in our local communities who are most in need by supporting Newcastle West End Foodbank.

“The foodbank makes a huge difference to the lives of the people it supports. As summer ends and the days get colder, this often means rising costs of living such as higher energy bills. Many families in the region will find themselves under financial pressure, so ensuring Newcastle West End Foodbank is well-stocked for the coming season is more important than ever.”

Michael Nixon, Newcastle West End Foodbank’s CEO, added: “As we are now into autumn it is even more important to help those of us who find ourselves in real hardship. Many now face the choice between heat and food, there’s simply not enough money available for both.

“Miller Homes has timed its donation campaign perfectly and the wonderful people who have supported can be confident that their gifts will be valued far beyond the price of the items. People in real need are lifted by the fact that others care about them.”

Donations were made at Miller Homes’ developments across the North East including  Broadoaks in Bedlington, Barley Meadows in Cramlington, Wheatfields in Seaton Delaval, Portland Wynd in Blyth, Heritage Green in Backworth, Park View in Gateshead, Scholars Gate in Shiney Row, Clairville Grange in Middlesbrough, Wheatlands Chase in Redcar and Hunters Fold in Middleton St George.

For more information on the Newcastle West End Foodbank please visit www.newcastlewestend.foodbank.org.uk