Pendle communications firm cooks up a plan to aid struggling food banks

Tony Black prepping his meals ready to donate

After hearing that food banks across Pendle were struggling to cope with increased demand, Daisy Communications’ founder and chairman, Matthew Riley and Tony Black, owner of APB Catering, have partnered up to provide free food to those most in need

Tony, owner of APB Catering, is using Daisy’s on-site kitchen, based at its Lomeshaye Industrial Estate premises, to prepare and cook 200 freshly made food parcels per week.

The emergency food parcels, which all contain a nutritious hot meal and pudding, are being donated to local charities Pendle Food for All, Inspiring Grace, and Nelson Community Mosque.

According to research, almost 12,000 food parcels were handed out by food banks in Lancashire and the North-West in 2019, and these figures are expected to dramatically increase as people struggle for money for food during the pandemic.

Tony Black said: “Food banks provide a valuable service to those in the area who are in need and they have a crucial role to play as we make our way through these difficult times. Community spirit is needed now more than ever and I’m proud to be working with Daisy Communications in supporting these amazing charities.”

Matthew Riley said: “Despite the demand for food banks increasing during the current pandemic, donations are rapidly decreasing and supplies are scarce. More people than ever will be forced to use food banks and, as a local business, we have a responsibility to look after our local community. I’d encourage everyone, wherever possible, to try and donate something to their local food bank to help keep these vital services running.”

Lynne Mitchell, founder of Pendle Food for All, commented: “I can’t put into words how grateful we are for Daisy supporting us during this difficult time. We look after lots of vulnerable people, such as the elderly or those with disabilities, and many don’t have the facilities at home for cooking properly. The food Daisy and Tony is making is amazing and I know it’ll make people’s days knowing that someone cares about them and that they’re not just a number.”

The food bank donations are just one of the things Daisy Communications is doing to support the local area. Only last week, the business donated £10,000 to Pendleside Hospice to create emergency new beds in its efforts to reduce stress on the NHS.