Developers' volunteers pitch in at food collective

Six volunteers from Barratt Homes Bristol and David Wilson Homes South West have spent a day with the team at Swindon Food Collective.

They sorted and packed food boxes to support the collective's mission of feeding families in crisis.

The volunteers spent the day at the foodbank’s warehouse in Westlea where they sorted, packed and assembled essential food boxes for individuals and families in crisis across the region.

Following the day of volunteering, the housebuilders will be delivering a food donation to the charity as part of their ongoing drive of support. 

This new donation was kicked off on National Food Bank Day at the Wichelstowe development, and since then staff from Barratt Homes Bristol and David Wilson Homes South West have been bringing food donations to work.

Swindon Food Collective operates with five part-time staff and just over 100 volunteers, providing food parcels to people in crisis. Last year alone, the charity fed 10,502 people - a quarter of them children – distributing 96 tonnes of food, the equivalent of about 80,000 meals.

The charity, which has become a vital local organisation, receives donations of non-perishable food and toiletries from the local community. These donations are transformed into food boxes that provide vital support to those in need. Working closely with approved organisations such as schools, doctors, and social workers, the charity ensures that help reaches people when they need it most.

The warehouse in Stonehill Green, Westlea, serves as the central hub for operations. Teams of volunteers, support the charity during their busiest time of year as part of the charity’s annual Corporate Volunteering Programme, assisting in the logistical process of assembling food boxes, which are then distributed to one of the Collective’s 11 distribution centres in Swindon and the surrounding areas.

Louise Ware, sales director for Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, was among the volunteers, and said: "It was a pleasure to support the Swindon Food Collective knowing you’re making a real difference in our community. 

"The charity’s work is vital in supporting families and individuals facing difficult times, and we are pleased to contribute to such a well-meaning cause."

Cher Smith MBE, manager of the Swindon Food Collective, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for this ongoing support. 

"Volunteers play a crucial role in our operations, helping us to sort, pack, and distribute food to those in crisis. Thanks to the teams from Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, we’ll be able to reach more people in need which will make a real difference in our community."

Barratt Homes Bristol and Barratt David Wilson Homes South West are currently building new homes at Wichelstowe. Residents of Wichelstowe can donate food for Swindon Food Collective at the nearby Waitrose supermarket.

Barratt David Wilson Homes South West will launch a new phase at Canalside in early 2025 and potential buyers can register their interest at www.dwh.co.uk while Barratt Homes Bristol will soon unveil a new phase at Wichel Fields.