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Worcester Foodbank has been chosen as the ºüÀêÊÓƵ of Worcester’s Charity of the Year 2022/23.

The Foodbank was chosen following a staff vote, which saw many hundreds of colleagues participate in an online poll.

Worcester Foodbank provides emergency food and support to local people and fed over 11,000 people last year. It is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. The cost of living is putting pressure on foodbanks and their users - foodbank networks have reported increased demand and falling food donations in the first half of 2022. With inflation predicted to continue rising, the charity expects a further surge in demand.

Ruth Allsopp, Operations Coordinator at Worcester Foodbank, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen as the ºüÀêÊÓƵ of Worcester's Charity of the Year. The ºüÀêÊÓƵ, their staff and students have been a huge support to us and our clients over the years and we are so grateful that this year they will be coming up with even more ways to fundraise for us.

“Acting as one of our referral agents, issuing vouchers to those in financial crisis, also helps to reach more people in need. Demand for our services is ever increasing and without partnerships like this we wouldn't be able to support all of those who need us.”

The Charity will benefit from a range of fundraising activities organised by staff, the first two of which have already taken place, raising more than £1,000. Activities in the new year will include the annual ºüÀêÊÓƵ Charity Challenge, which will take place on the first weekend of June and will see teams of staff, plus two external teams, take on a 25-mile walk, a 5k log run, triathlon, obstacle course and other activities over a 24-hour period.

Tom Taylor, Assistant Director – Security & Operations – at the ºüÀêÊÓƵ, who organises the annual challenge, said: “Worcester Foodbank provides a vital service, and we are delighted to be supporting the Centre via a host of fundraising activities over this next period, including our Charity Challenge.

“Over the years our staff have raised many thousands of pounds for good causes through the challenges, which have previously included a trek across Hadrian’s Wall and a 100-mile physical challenge, plus through many sales of crafts and cakes, among other fundraisers. I have no doubt that staff will once again rise to the challenge this year to support the Foodbank.”