Cepac has donated more than 6,500 corrugated trays to support local efforts to eliminate food poverty in the Midlands and North East. 

Demand for the services of foodbanks has increased significantly throughout the Covid-19 crisis, with charities adapting to new ways of working to ensure groceries reach those in need. One vital part of this has come in the form of doorstep deliveries, with an increased requirement for suitable packaging to help fulfil this need - namely the corrugated trays which Cepac has been able to provide.

Our Rotherham and Rawcliffe sites have engaged with local charities throughout 2020 to supply packaging products to support their vital work including the Gateshead Foodbank and The East Riding Food Poverty Alliance (ERFPA), as well as their networks of distribution hubs.

In addition, staff at Cepac's Doncaster got involved by donating food items to it's local foodbank which were delivered just before Christmas.

Jackie Beeley, Project Manager at Gateshead Foodbank, said: “We’re very grateful to Cepac for their generous donation of corrugated trays. The demand for our services has risen sharply due to Covid-19 and these trays will help us deliver supplies to those who need them the most in a more structured and organised way.”

Cepac’s Shaun Wild, who led the project at Rotherham, added: “It’s great to be able to help the community and the charities which have seldom been more needed. With the festive season right around the corner, we are trying to do what we can to help those in need, especially during these very trying times.”

Nigel Hobson said that while the donations would only scratch the surface in terms of eliminating food poverty, the team at Rawcliffe would continue to look out for ways to contribute and work with the foodbank in future.

Visit www.erfpa.org.uk and/or gateshead.foodbank.org.uk/ to find out more.