Ovenu

A popular Solihull food bank, which almost closed last year after its resources were drained by rocketing fuel bills and running costs, is already experienced a 50% increase in demand.

Community Essentials currently supplies an average of 180 food parcels a week, which can feed up to 500 people, but it fears that demand will intensify during the run up to Christmas.

Last October, the volunteer-run food bank – which has helped thousands across Solihull and south Birmingham since launching in 2020 during the pandemic – was down to its last £600 until well-wishers rallied round and donated both cash and food items.

Given the increased demand for its parcels, which contain three days of emergency food, founder Stephen Palmer is again appealing for help from both local businesses and individuals.

One of the first to respond was local businessman Elliott Robinson of oven cleaning service Ovenu Solihull, who donated 60 Christmas selection boxes and chocolate advent calendars

As well as donations of foodstuffs, financial donations are particularly welcome as they offer the food bank greater flexibility in meeting its annual £15,000 to £20,000 running costs, which cover utility bills, unit rental, and transportation costs.”

Community Essentials has also partnered with Blue Cross and Pets At Home Solihull to operate a pet food bank to reduce the number of pets ending up in animal shelters or being abandoned.

Stephen Palmer said: “Last year we experienced a 100% increase in demand for our food parcels and this year that has gone up by another 50%. Sadly, I expect that figure will rise even further in the run-up to Christmas.

“When we first started, we mainly helped individuals who, through no fault of their own, were unable to work. Now, due to the huge cost of living increases we are now supporting working households. Food poverty doesn’t discriminate.”

Elliott Robinson, who last year handed over several bags of tinned and dried goods donated by his Ovenu Solihull clients, decided this year to buy the selection boxes as a festive treat for the children of food parcel recipients.

He said: “Community Essentials works tirelessly to tackle food poverty across the community. The economic downturn has not only intensified the demand for help but has also impacted on the level of donations.

“This is an organisation run by volunteers that is dedicated to providing a lifeline to those who fall into food poverty. I hope my donations can bring a little joy to children this Christmas and that other individuals and businesses will also support the invaluable work of Community Essentials.”

To make a donation or volunteer for Community Essentials visit https://community-essentials.org.uk/

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF OVENU

For further information contact Andrew Douglas 01325 363436

Photo caption: Community Essentials volunteer Kevin Palmer (left) and Elliott Robinson of Ovenu Solihull, with some of the donated selection boxes and chocolate advent calendars

Editors’ Notes:

The Ovenu valeting process involves dismantling key components of an oven such as the door, interior panels, fan, and shelves and placing them into design-registered tank equipment, which uses safe, non-caustic products, leaving the oven in near showroom condition.

As well as Solihull, the business also covers Olton, Dickens Heath, Shirley, Dorridge, Hillfields, Tidbury Green, Chelmsley Wood, Elmdon, Meriden, Balsall Common and surrounding areas.

Ovenu is the leading UK and international domestic oven cleaning and valeting specialist. All cleaning products used by Ovenu are environmentally friendly, bio-degradable and conform to the latest government REACH regulations. Ovenu’s Carbon Remover is also approved by the Vitreous Enamel Association. The Ovenu valeting process involves dismantling key components of an oven and placing them into design-registered equipment, which uses non-caustic, non-toxic and biodegradable products to clean the oven parts. Ovenu was a founder member of the Approved Franchise Association (AFA).

For a free quote, call Elliott on 0121 7066652, email solihull@ovenu.co.ukor visit www.ovenu.co.uk/oven_cleaning/solihull/