Homes Plus is supporting food banks in Staffordshire and Shropshire to top up essential supplies for people struggling with the rising cost of living. 

The social landlord has handed £1,000 each to four food banks in Hednesford, Shrewsbury and Stafford thanks to money donated by our partner Phoenix Gas. 

The money will help food bank volunteers stock up on products people need but are sometimes in short supply. 

Food Bank Plus, based at Barnabus Community Church in Shrewsbury, was one of the food banks to benefit from a donation.  

Karen Williams, manager of Shrewsbury Food Bank Plus, said: “It’s great to partner with Homes Plus in all sorts of ways, complementing the work they do supporting our clients. 

“We are using the money to purchase more food, on top of the donations we receive, to ensure our food parcels provide a balanced diet and a full seven days worth of food.” 

House of Bread and Rising Brook Food Bank, in Stafford, and Cannock and District Food Bank, in South Staffordshire, were also awarded £1,000. 

Simon Millington, Director of Compliance, said: “We know that some of our customers make use of their local food banks to help them through the cost-of-living crisis. 

“We decided to donate the £4000, given to us by Phoenix Gas, to four food banks in our area, to help top up the items that don’t often get donated and fund other running costs. 

“If you’re a Homes Plus customer you can contact our Employment and Money Advice team in confidence for advice on 0800 048 8955 or fill in a referral form.” 

Kyle Grocott, managing director of Phoenix Gas, said: “We value the relationships we have with our customers, colleagues and clients along with the people within the communities in which we work and take pride in supporting each other and our values are the foundation of our company. We have worked closely with Homes Plus since 2018 to work collaboratively to bring best value to the client and their customers.  

“Working in partnership with Vaillant we have been able to bring added value to the contract and in turn help the local community in which we are working, by adding funding to the local food banks. We place social value at the heart of how we work and believe that our services should be delivered in a way that provides maximum public benefit.  

“We always take into consideration how the services we commission might improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area. We primarily operate in the domestic, commercial and renewable energy alternative markets. Working for local authorities, housing associations and private businesses, along with private domestic clients, local councils and estate agents.”