MCR Services assist Vegetarian Society in North East food bank initiative
01 Mar 2021
MCR Services is supporting the Vegetarian Society, a national charity, by delivering 7,600 meal boxes to food banks throughout the North East.
The Cramlington-based firm sort and pack the contents before palletising the boxes, each of which contains ingredients and recipes for two dishes that make up eight meals, before they are distributed.
Matthew Fretwell, production supervisor at MCR Services, said the company has already delivered 800 of the Vegetarian Society food boxes to Trussell Trust food banks, including those in Cramlington, Newcastle, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, and Stockton.
Funded by Barclays Community Aid package, the Vegetarian Society Food Box scheme was launched to alleviate the effects of Covid-19 by putting food directly onto the tables of those most in need.
MCR Services has been able to reduce costs by creating efficiencies through palletising the food boxes and optimised route planning.
Matthew, who has himself got behind the wheel of a van to make the deliveries, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to use our expertise in contract packing and logistics to support the Vegetarian Society, a national charity, and the food banks in what are difficult times for so many people.
“MCR Services has been able to reduce the costs by creating efficiencies in the packing and delivery process to ensure even more people receive food boxes.
“As a family-run company, we are proud to contribute to such a worthwhile cause. We have a reputation for delivering a first-class service on time – which is really important when it comes to ensuring people aren’t going hungry.”
Lynne Elliot, chief executive of the Vegetarian Society, said: “Our food boxes are needed now more than ever and the feedback from people is that they make them feel cared for and looked after.
“Not only do they provide people with filling meals, but it also introduces them to cheaper, nutritious recipes that you can make again and again.
“We are pleased to be working with MCR Services, who perform a vital role in ensuring our food boxes are correctly packed and delivered on time and in perfect condition. In addition, their efficient operation has contributed towards reducing distribution costs.”
In April last year Barclays announced a £100m Community Aid Package to support charities that are helping people and communities impacted by Covid-19 and the Vegetarian Society was chosen as one of Barclays’ UK Charity partners due to the valuable work it is doing with its food boxes to feed people across the community.