Lolly's Partnership With Braintree Area Foodbank

Lolly Partners with Braintree Area Foodbank to Tackle Food Poverty in Our Community


At Lolly, we believe in supporting local communities and making a meaningful difference. That’s why we are excited to announce our new charity partnership with Braintree Area Foodbank for the next twelve months. This collaboration will help us contribute to a cause that directly supports thousands of individuals and families in the Braintree area, while raising awareness of food poverty - a growing but often misunderstood issue.

Braintree Area Foodbank: Helping Local People in Crisis

The mission of Braintree Area Foodbank is simple yet powerful: to ensure that no one in the district goes hungry. They provide food parcels for those in need, whether they are facing short-term difficulties or long-term challenges. Additionally, the foodbank connects individuals and families with other resources and support agencies to help them navigate their situations and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

As Henry Hopkins, Charity Manager at Braintree Area Foodbank, explained: “We’re not just providing food; we’re offering a support network where people feel safe and listened to. If someone needs more than just food, we help connect them to services that can offer them ongoing assistance."


‍The Growing Need for Support

Over the past few years, the demand for foodbank services in Braintree has skyrocketed. According to Henry, the foodbank has gone from four years ago serving around 5,000 - 6,000 people per year, rising to an expected 15,000 this year alone. This sharp increase is due in large part to the rising cost of living, with rent, mortgages, and food prices making it difficult for many working families and pensioners to make ends meet.

“We’ve seen a shift in the demographics of those coming to us for help,” said Henry. “More working people are finding they can’t stretch their income far enough, and we’re also seeing more pensioners who are struggling. Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their situation, knows we’re here to help and that there’s no shame in reaching out for support.”


Lolly’s Partnership with the Foodbank

The partnership between Lolly and Braintree Area Foodbank will focus on both financial donations and raising awareness about food poverty in the community. With donations to the foodbank declining, Henry highlighted the importance of corporate partnerships like this one.

“We’ve seen a drop in donations - both in food and in financial support. Last year, we had to spend £85,000 on purchasing stock to keep up with demand, and this year we’re estimating that number will rise to £120,000. Lolly’s contributions will make a big difference, helping us continue our work without putting additional pressure on our volunteers and staff,” Henry explained.

In addition to providing much-needed funds, this partnership will also help raise the profile of the foodbank and highlight the reality of poverty in Braintree. “There’s this attitude that poverty happens elsewhere, but it’s here, in our community. The support from Lolly will not only help provide stock but also spread awareness, showing that anyone can find themselves in need,” said Henry.


Looking Ahead: What We Hope to Achieve Together

At Lolly, we’re committed to being more than just a financial partner. We want to help the foodbank reach even more people and provide essential resources beyond just food. Through our collaboration, we hope to shine a light on the important work the foodbank is doing, break down misconceptions about who relies on foodbanks, and encourage more people to get involved in supporting this vital service.

As Henry put it: “Our goal with this partnership is to raise awareness. We want people to see that companies like Lolly are supporting the foodbank and to understand that we’re here to inform and uplift, not just provide food. There are a lot of misconceptions about how foodbanks work, and this partnership will help us clear those up.”

We are incredibly proud to be working with such an essential local charity, and we look forward to the positive impact we can make together over the coming year.


How You Can Help

‍If you’re inspired by this partnership and would like to get involved, there are many ways to support Braintree Area Foodbank. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating food or funds, or simply spreading the word, your contribution can make a big difference in the lives of those who need it most.

To learn more about Braintree Area Foodbank and how you can help, please visit their website Braintree Area Foodbank |Helping Local People in Crisis.

Let’s work together to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.