A local food bank that supports families in crisis has received a generous £1,000 donation to help those in need this winter.

Housebuilder Barratt Homes made the £1,000 donation to Ribble Valley food bank as part of its Community Fund scheme.

Ribble Valley food bank, which was launched in 2013, provide support for local people and families who may be experiencing difficulties as the charity believes no one should have to face going hungry.

The charity also provides essential consumables including, toiletries, baby food and nappies.

Volunteers help drivers deliver parcels for those more vulnerable, with some agencies holding emergency food boxes in the local area making them easier to access for some clients.

Pete Simm, foodbank manager at Ribble Valley Gateway Trust, said: “Our volunteers help in the warehouse foodbank as well as at the food bank centre where they have a chat with clients, pack food parcels and prepare refreshments.

“Our goal is to transform the food bank centre into a space that is comfortable and friendly, where all our clients can feel welcome.

“On behalf of everyone associated with the food bank, I would like to express a huge sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone at Barratt Homes for the very kind donation to the food bank.”

The donation came as part of the Barratt Developments Plc Charitable Foundation, which is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates.

As part of the nationwide network of food banks, supported by the Trussell Trust, the charity work to combat poverty and hunger across the UK by providing three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced food and support for local people referred to the charity’s services.

Ribble Valley Food bank rely on the support of the local community for donations, volunteering and fundraising.

Almost all of the food donated to the charity has come from members of the community through churches, schools, supermarkets and other businesses.

Barratt Homes’ donation has been dedicated to providing families and children with three meals a day, in addition to helping the logistics and other administrative tasks of the foodbank operating behind the scenes.

Having recently partnered with two local green grocers from Clitheroe Market, the charity can now provide clients with fresh fruit and vegetables for either the value of £5 for individuals or £10 for families.

Michaela Lancaster, sales director at Barratt Homes Manchester, said: “We were delighted to hear about the incredible work that Ribble Valley Foodbank does for its local community and its families, we were inspired by its commitment to providing people with the essential support.

“Our Community Fund scheme allows us to help organisations such as this in the areas close to our developments and it is vital that we work closely with local people to see how we can best help them.”