Thousands of Pounds Raised for Local Foodbanks

Nick Hempleman of The Sussex Produce Company said: 'Our customers have been so amazing; giving money and goods to local families in need. We have matched their donations and now raised over £3,000.


This has been put to action as soon as it has been raised by donating goods like flour, eggs, pasta and toilet rolls and we are now also ensuring that each box that goes out every week has got five bags of fruit and vegetables in it.'



Andrew Griffiths MP said: 'Community action has been at the heart of the Covid-19 response and it is people’s kindness and generosity that has supported those with greater needs. I think Nick and his team have been a great example of this, supporting Steyning’s residents throughout the last few months, and I would like to say thank you to everyone involved.'



Emma Elnaugh, Managing Director of Horsham Matters, who run the Foodbank said: 'The food donated by The Sussex Produce Company and their customers has been valuable to our foodbank support across the District. We are facing an unprecedented need for food and to be able to supply fresh food alongside our emergency parcels is very impactful.'



In addition to their work with the local foodbank, The Sussex Produce Company have:

1. Supported Steyning Grammar School with fruit and vegetables for delivery to vulnerable families.
2 Kept full shelves throughout the Covid-19 Crisis by relying on their established networkof 170 local suppliers.
3. Made over 1,000 deliveries to the locally shielding and vulnerable who could not get supermarket delivery slots.
4. Paid over £250,000 to local, artisan suppliers since the start of the crisis, many of whom rely heavily on closed gastro pubs and restaurants for their livelihoods.


Nick Hempleman said: 'I am so grateful to allour customers, staff and suppliers. It is fantastic what we have achieved so far as one small shop and shows what can be achieved when the local community work together in the face of adversity.'