Aster Group gives Weymouth Foodbank a boost

Housing association Aster Group has handed a £750 donation to Weymouth Foodbank in a show of support for the community charity and those who use it.

Weymouth Foodbank and its team of volunteers work to provide free healthy food for people who need it.

Jean-Paul Dervley, Chair of Weymouth Foodbank, said: “We were delighted to receive the generous donation from Aster.  With the cost-of-living crisis, we have seen a 68% increase in demand for our services in 2022 compared with 2021. Our donations have remained encouraging, but do not meet the level of food we are distributing. We need to buy top ups, so need financial donations to do this. 

“We have been overwhelmed with the generosity of the community, businesses, churches and individuals. Donations like this from Aster have meant that we have sufficient funds to meet the increased demand.”

Weymouth Foodbank is one of eight foodbanks across the South and South West which have each received £750, including Andover Foodbank, Ringwood Foodbank, Devizes & District Foodbank, Glastonbury Foodbank, Fair Frome Foodbank, Romsey Foodbank and Portland Food Bank.

Collectively, Aster has now donated more than £13,000 to foodbanks in its operating areas.

Sarah Durrans, Regional Operations Director at Aster Group, said: “Aster has been supporting foodbanks for several years now and have seen first-hand how important their work is.

“Now more than ever, they are playing a crucial role supporting vulnerable people in their communities.

“We want to show our appreciation for the work foodbanks do, particularly at a time when people are struggling with the rising cost-of-living.

“The team at Weymouth Foodbank work selflessly to provide a vital service and we hope this contribution can help that continue.”

Alongside food and financial donations to foodbanks, 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 2021/22, Aster helped its customers to claim over £566,000 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.