In a heartwarming show of community spirit, Vistry Group, a renowned housebuilder, has taken a remarkable step to support the local food bank in Reading. This generous gesture involved the delivery of three boxes brimming with essential food items, festive treats, and much-needed supplies to ReadiFood, an essential organization that provides assistance to individuals and families across the Reading area.

ReadiFood, an independent food bank with over 25 years of experience, is dedicated to delivering emergency food parcels to between 150 and 190 households in severe need every week. This invaluable service offers a lifeline to those who have been referred to the organization by local agencies, providing crucial support during challenging times.

Alix Laflin, the marketing manager for Vistry Thames Valley, shared the company’s dedication to giving back to the community. “It’s crucial for us to be an integral part of the community in which our customers and colleagues reside, and to support and give back to that community whenever possible,” Laflin expressed. “As a business rooted in Reading, we are acutely aware of the crucial service that ReadiFood provides to people in urgent need of a helping hand.”

Laflin also highlighted the distressing reality of food insecurity, particularly during the holiday season. “It is distressing to think of anyone going hungry at any time of year, but particularly at Christmas when so many of us are fortunate enough to celebrate with an abundance of festive food. Unfortunately, it’s not the same for everyone, and ReadiFood is there to step in and prevent people in difficult circumstances from going hungry.”

The manager of ReadiFood, Alison Peyton, expressed her gratitude for Vistry Group’s donation. “I’d like to thank Vistry for its kind donation. This will make an important difference to people in urgent need of food in the Reading area,” Peyton said. She also shed light on the growing reliance on food banks in today’s society, driven by the strain on public funding, the rising cost of living, and the lingering impact of the pandemic. “More and more people need to turn to voluntary services such as ReadiFood to keep feeding themselves and their families,” Peyton added.

This heartwarming act of kindness serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and solidarity, especially during challenging times. It exemplifies the impact that local businesses can have on the well-being of their communities, uplifting those in need and spreading hope during the holiday season and beyond.

For those interested in learning more about ReadiFood and their impactful work, visit readifood.org.uk. Let’s continue to support and uplift one another, embodying the true spirit of community and compassion.