Food banks receive £4000 from Aster Group

Food banks have received a £500 donation each from local housing association Aster Group, as part of a £4,000 donation to eight food banks across the south and southwest of England for the second year in a row.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, food banks continue to provide essential support for many people struggling financially, with the impact of COVID-19 and the cost of living pressures driving demand even further.

Darren Brazil, Aster Group regional director, said: “Thank you to all the teams, volunteers and donators that run and support food banks in our communities, their work is more important now than ever. Food banks provide a vital service to people who find themselves in some really challenging situations and we’re proud to continue to support them in this way.”

Aster has supported the work of food banks for several years. Before offices were temporality closed due to the pandemic, its offices were used as food collection points. Although its colleagues have continued to support food banks by donating through supermarkets, these financial donations are also much needed.

Alongside food and financial donations to food banks, Aster’s Financial Wellbeing team helps its customers access the right benefits and support available to them. The team empowers customers to understand their financial circumstances and manage their budgets.During 2021, Aster helped its customers to claim over £490,000 through benefit applications and appeals.

Alongside financial wellbeing services offered to Aster customers, the Aster Foundation also supports customers with full benefits checks, budgeting advice, help to find employment and a Digital College which delivers accredited learning online 

To find out more about food banks in your area visit the Trussell Trust website.