Vulnerable residents received a donation of gourmet food

A charity that supports adults with mental health problems has received a much needed donation of food from one of the biggest events in the South Derbyshire calendar.

More than 88kg of unsold gourmet food from the Swadlincote International Food and Drink Festival has been donated to the town’s Bank House - South Derbyshire Mental Health Association, Alexandra Road, Swadlincote.

Vulnerable groups that have benefitted from the donated dishes include the homeless, low-income families, elderly residents and people with learning difficulties.

Donations included bread, noodles, coleslaw, hog roast pork meat, curry, pakoras, cakes, polish delicacies, cheese and potato pies, scotch eggs, fish fingers, cod, chips, and an array of salads. Midlands based hog roast specialists Silverwings Grill donated 3.5kg of freshly cooked meat.

Jon Shillabeer, Manager of the Bank House charity said:

“We are massively thankful to the businesses that got involved with donating the food. It has helped to feed around 50 people over two days. Out of those 50, eight of them were homeless. It’s been a brilliant boost for the charity.”

The donated food ties into the Waste less, Save more scheme, which aims to change the way we think about the food we buy, cook, eat - and throw away.

Cllr Bob Wheeler, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said:

“We are pleased to help provide unsold food that would have been destined for the bin to vulnerable residents that need it the most.”

All donated food passed environmental health checks and came with food safety information before being distributed.

19 October 2017