PEOPLE who are struggling to provide food for themselves and their families are receiving support from a foodbank, following a £30,000 grant.

The contribution to Braintree area foodbank from the Braintree District and Greenfields Community Fund will enable the foodbank to continue collecting and gathering donated food for people in need.

Since opening its doors in 2012 the foodbank, which covers Halstead, Witham and Braintree, has helped more than 10,000 people in the district who are facing difficulties, including unemployment and benefit issues.

Volunteers also provide nutritious recipe cards and make three-day emergency food supply parcels.

Maggie Drewett, foodbank co-ordinator, said, “We are delighted to receive this grant which will support our work; helping families and individuals in Braintree, Witham and Halstead who are struggling.

“Some people have to decide whether to feed themselves, feed their children or pay their bills and that is a worry the foodbank helps to ease”.

The Braintree District and Greenfields Community Fund, managed by Essex Community Foundation, provides voluntary and community organisations with the opportunity to apply for funding of up to £40,000 distributed over a period of up to three years.

It aims to support projects which help to either improve health and wellbeing, increase aspirations and opportunities, or develop skills through training. Sandra Crosby, Greenfields’ housing director, said: “The Braintree foodbank provides food and advice to people who are trying to make ends meet.

“Sadly, anyone can find themselves in a position of not being able to afford basic provisions, like food or utilities.

“We want to improve lives in any way we can and urge local organisations in need to apply for a grant.”

Organisations in the Braintree district in need of funding should contact the ECF grants team on 01245 356018 or visit essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk for more information.

The deadline for expressions of interest for the next round of grants is August 31.