Reaseheath College students and staff have donated 16 large boxes of food to help people who are in need in their local community.
All departments from the Nantwich college were involved in the collection of in-date, non perishable food, ranging from meal basics to festive treats, which has now been delivered to Nantwich Foodbank. The Foodbank, which was set up in 2013, is one of a nationwide network set up by The Trussell Trust in response to food poverty.
The college’s contributions, which were collected and packed by animal management students, will be processed and handed over to those who have been identified by agencies as being in need.
Nantwich Foodbank takes donations from colleges, schools, businesses and individuals. It also holds food drives at supermarkets, where shoppers are asked to buy an extra item or two for local people in crisis. Reaseheath’s animal management students have also helped to raise funds and food donations in Sainsbury’s Nantwich store this week.
Long serving volunteer and trustee Paul Stone said: “We have worked with Reaseheath for a number of years now and are very grateful for the college’s involvement. We need more fantastic contributions like the one we have just received from the students and staff. It means so much for local families, particularly those who are facing food poverty over Christmas.”
Animal Management Programme Leader Andy Smith, who organised the collection, explained: “We encourage our students to engage with their local community as part of their course and we have supported Nantwich Foodbank since it was launched. The students have really taken the initiative to heart and have been busy collecting all sorts of foods to donate. This has been one of our best responses yet.
“As well as supporting a really good cause they have got a lot out of it themselves. It has made them realise that there are a lot of people, including people of their own age, who are worse off than themselves. And of course, there may well be students here at Reaseheath whose families have received support from foodbanks.”
Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management student Oliver Higgin said: “Everyone across college has been very supportive. We are really pleased that we’ve been able to help people who deserve it.”
For further details contact Nantwich Foodbank via email info@nantwich.foodbank.org.uk.
Caption: Animal Management students Oliver Higgin, Emma Bayley and Imogen Rogers prepare to pack the donated food with Reaseheath’s Quality Standards Coach Emily Jewell and Programme Leader Andy Smith
