Diss businesses join forces to help feed those in need

Seven kind-hearted businesses have clubbed together to donate £400 of food for those struggling as the cost-of-living crisis deepens.

Diss Business Space, NBK Norwich Bathrooms and Kitchens, Mini First Aid, Big C Cancer, Planetal, Berry Norwich and Reliable Pat Testing made the donation on Wednesday.

The project was launched in January when Diss Business Space owner Gareth Pendleton, who also runs NBK Norwich Bathrooms and Kitchens, decided he wanted to help all those who use Eye-based Waveney Foodbank.

The foodbank currently needs 500 kilos of food a week in order to maintain stocks.

Mr Pendleton said: “We have always tried to give back to the local community as much as possible and, over the years, have been involved in various donations, some small, some big.

“We have always been very conscious that we are living in difficult times and try our best to give to charities or causes that help people through hardship.

“The current cost-of-living crisis has had an impact on many families and we’re very aware that some people are having to choose between heating their home or feeding their children.”

After launching the foodbank project, Mr Pendleton asked tenants of Diss Business Space if they would like to help out. Five stepped up for the cause.

“We managed to raise a total of £400,” said the businessman. “We then contacted Waveney Foodbank, which gave us a list of food items that it was in desperate need of, including tinned vegetables and pasta sauce.

“I went out with my son, James, and purchased the food to the value of the donations. We’re so happy we can help donate this food to such a great cause.”

Matthew Scade, project manager at Waveney Foodbank, said: “We are overwhelmed by such generosity, which fills pretty big gaps in our stocks. We’d like to thank all of the businesses that helped.”