Bondholders urged to join fight against food poverty

Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance is calling on fellow Marketing Derby Bondholders to join its ‘100 Club’, which aims to raise cash to feed thousands of children in the city currently living in poverty.

The charity, which aims to help people break out of the cycle of food poverty through food provision, signposting, education and advice, is looking for 100 businesses to donate £100 a month for a year, or alternatively sponsor a whole month.

According to the Office for National Statistics, there were around 23,000 children in Derby living in poverty last year, which is above the national average.

The charity also said there is an 11-year difference in life expectancy for residents of Derby between deprived and more affluent areas.

Throughout last year, DF4T Alliance, along with its partner foodbanks fed just over 22,000 adults, almost 18,000 children and distributed more than 20,000 food parcels equating to almost 360,000 meals.

However, according to Paul Brookhouse, senior manager at DF4T Alliance, the rising cost of food means the charity is spending £10,000 a month as its existing supply does not meet current demand.

He said: “This is why we have decided to launch the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance 100 Club.

“We are looking for businesses to join others who have already pledged to become a partner.

“Your £100 a month will feed 20 children for three days per month, or 240 children for a year.”

As well as cash, the charity is also inviting donations of large quantities of fruit/veg, meat or ambient food.

It is looking for people who can donate their time for practical tasks, such as food sorting or distribution.

And it also wants to hear from volunteers who are skilled in social media, websites or admin, to help it spread the word.

To donate, volunteer or for general enquiries call 01332 346266 or e-mail info@df4ta.com.

To find out more about Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance visit http://www.derbyfood4thoughtalliance.org.uk .

Marketing Derby Bondholders will also be able to find out more about the 100 Club at a forthcoming Bondholder Breakfast event.

Taking place at Derby County’s Pride Park Stadium on Tuesday 19 September, the event, which will showcase Wavensmere Homes, will see Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance take over Harrison’s Hub, courtesy of Derby County Community Trust.

Bondholders who plan to attend are being asked to bring with them food donations from their offices and bring them to the hub between 7.30am and 8am.

Paul and his team will also be available from 9.30am to talk to anyone who wants to know more about the 100 Club.