Grants available for frontline food aid charities.
A leading Birmingham foodservice supplier is urging charities to check their eligibility for a government scheme to help them continue providing food for the vulnerable throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Philip Mayling, director of family business MKG Foods, based in Aldridge, wants to raise awareness of the Food Charities Grant Fund, which he fears many charities may not know they could be eligible for.
The scheme allows frontline food aid charities in England to apply for a grant of up to £100,000 if they are unable to meet an increased demand for food from vulnerable individuals or supporting charities throughout the pandemic.
MKG Foods is a leading foodservice provider, which usually supplies for schools, hotels, restaurants, care homes and football Clubs, including Birmingham City FC. Following the impact of the pandemic, the independent business switched to offer deliveries to homes and charities across the West Midlands to cater for those struggling to get hold of items due to supply shortages or being unable to leave their homes.
The business is producing thousands of food boxes containing essential items including fresh fruit and vegetables, raw and cooked meats and tinned goods, which charities can order to be delivered in a short time frame. For every ten boxes ordered, MKG Foods is pledging to provide an extra two boxes for free. Charities wishing to place an order for food boxes should email charity@MKGfoods.co.uk.
Philip Mayling, director of MKG Foods, said: “From our conversations with charities across the region it has become apparent that many don’t know they could be eligible for funding from the Government to help provide food for those in need throughout the pandemic.
“Charity volunteers over 65 are at significantly higher risk during the current pandemic, and many are unable to pack food boxes as they are having to shield. We want to get the message out that support is available, and to help by providing readily prepared boxes requiring minimal contact.”