Mechline staff were out in force yesterday supporting Milton Keynes local food bank branch. Food is certainly close to Mechline Developments heart as a leading manufacturer of innovative products for the food services and environmental industry.
The volunteers needed to be wrapped up warm as they spent the day in the warehouse sorting donations into food category boxes. Food is sorted into categories – beans, soup, pasta, tin veg etc and then sorted by sell by date and split into packs to be sent out.
An adult food pack will last for 3 days and debt is the main reason people turn for support from the food bank. Hunger is not just a third world problem. Even in a prosperous new city like Milton Keynes, there are many people living on the edge of poverty. Some areas of Milton Keynes are within 10% of the most deprived areas in England. In one area, the number of people relying on means tested benefits is 50% higher than the national average.
The Food Bank relies entirely on donations of food and money from local schools, churches, businesses, organisations and individuals. Every single item or penny given makes a difference. The foodbanks warehouse and serving centres are staffed by volunteers from the local area. Mechline staff were more than happy to get involved to help the food bank and urge other businesses to do likewise in their local areas.
Kristian Roberts, Marketing Manager; ‘We support and are involved in local and national good causes encouraging employees to give their time, effort and skills to enhance the lives of others. Our staff were keen to help out and support families who unfortunately have to call upon the use of food banks. Unfortunately we regularly hear in the media about the increased use of food banks, hopefully our help will go someway to helping people in our society who need it the most.’
Mechline also presented the food bank with a £500 donation and have also provided storage space for tinned goods in their warehouse which means the food bank has a bit more room to get packing up the food parcels. Mechline is one of two local businesses helping MK Food Bank with storage, due to a high volume of donations. The food bank has been going since 2004 and last year created 11,000 food packs.
About Mechline
Since its inception in 1991, as a manufacturer of innovative food service equipment products, Mechline has evolved into a company with products that have safety and hygiene ‘built-in’, beginning with its patented QuickLink products.
Mechline continues to offer a range of carefully chosen food service components to maintain its reputation of providing products that reflect its origins as a food service equipment mechanical services specialist. Each range (including AquaJet, Delabie, Dormont, GreasePak, AquaTechnix and more) has a unique feature or characteristic that simplifies the catering professional’s work environment and helps operators to maintain good practice for hygiene in commercial kitchens.
Our technical and operational expertise, coupled with industry experience and a widespread sales and distribution network, allow constant brand and product development.
Commercially, Mechline has developed a strong distribution network throughout the UK and Ireland via food service equipment distributors, dealers, project contractors and service companies. This provides full access to all market opportunities through our marketing and sales platform.
We strive to distribute and market products that provide innovation and value for our customers, promoting best practices in commercial food service facilities, operational benefits, quality and safety.
About Food Bank
The Food Bank relies entirely on donations of food and money from local schools, churches, businesses, organisations and individuals and every single item or penny given makes a difference. Businesses, Churches and Community Groups can all get involved helping The Food Bank in a variety of ways. Our warehouse and serving centres are manned by volunteers from the local area.
How Does The Food Bank Work?
Referral Agencies identify families and individuals who need our support and issue a voucher entitling them to a food parcel. Food parcels can be picked up from one of our serving sessions located around the city. Clients can receive a food parcel x5 times within a rolling 12 month period. (Although we are flexible in some cases when clients need further help.)
For more information please visit http://mkfoodbank.org.uk/
Twitter – @mkfoodbank
Facebook – The Food Bank MK https://www.facebook.com/MKFoodBank/?fref=ts
Contact details:
Kristian Roberts, Marketing Manager Mechline Developments
15 Carters Lane Milton Keynes MK11 3ER
01908 261511 kristian@mechline.com
