HUNDREDS of thousands of meals were distributed to people in need across Dudley last year.
The meals were supplied by the Black Country Foodbank (BCFB), a Brierley Hill-based charity that supports 26 food banks across the region, providing emergency food, toiletries and essential supplies to individuals and families facing crisis.
Now, Merry Hill shopping centre has announced a new charity partnership with the foodbank to help further support those in need.
Jonathan Poole, centre manager at Merry Hill, said: "The support that the Black Country Foodbank provides for our local community is invaluable and we are incredibly proud to be partnering with them.
"As a centre, we are dedicated to fostering growth and prosperity within our area.
"Working with the food bank is one way we hope to make a positive mark.
"With BCFB’s distribution centre so close to Merry Hill, we have the opportunity to offer practical support to those facing hardship right on our doorstep.
"Over the coming months, we’re looking forward to finding new ways to support the charity and work together with our visitors to make a difference."
The charity distributed more than 500,000 meals to over 50,000 people last year through its network of 75 partner projects, including community kitchens, homeless support services, disability groups and women’s refuges.
Merry Hill has already donated £2,000 to sponsor one of the charity’s delivery vehicles and will introduce donation points throughout the centre for food and toiletries.
Shoppers will receive weekly updates via the My Merry Hill app on items most in need.
Keeley Jones, deputy CEO and operations manager at Black Country Foodbank, said: "We’re incredibly grateful to have the support of Merry Hill, especially as we head into summer, when demand for our services is particularly high.
"Partnerships like this help us reach more people in need by providing essential donations."
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