The MERKUR Community scheme was established to provide vital support to local groups that fulfil a central role in helping those who are less fortunate. The partnership with the MK Food Bank reflects those objectives helping families to feed their children and keep warm.

MERKUR UK has been praised for providing support which “genuinely means that local families can feed their children and use heating and hot water for longer during the coldest months” according to Louisa Hobbs Operations Manager at the MK Food Bank.

In an interview with local newspaper the MK Citizen, she said: “The trustees and staff at MK Food Bank are thrilled that MERKUR has announced its intention to provide funding to support our services this year. This generous grant is greatly appreciated as part of our valued partnership and will enable us to help many residents of Milton Keynes who are facing financial hardship and food insecurity right now. On behalf of our community, our very grateful thanks to you all.”

The independent food bank has grown from modest beginnings to the point where it now has 13 distribution centres and works alongside more than 100 agencies.

Mark Schertle, chief operating officer at MERKUR said: “We are very pleased to be supporting MK Food Bank with this funding, helping to provide food for individuals and families in Milton Keynes, where our head office is located. By providing food parcels and establishing ‘top-up’ shops, MK Food Bank supports bereaved families, working people on low incomes, parents and children fleeing domestic violence, and families with disabled children or sick relatives.

“The £12,000 donation will be used when most needed throughout the year as part of our Corporate Partnership. The organisation aligns perfectly with our company values and reflects our aims of working closely with local groups to identify those areas where they can make a positive impact on the lives of residents.”

Since its launch, MERKUR Community which is jointly funded by the company and voluntary donations from its customers has donated £287, 514.75, in the process supporting over 120 community groups and charities nationwide.

Meal makers

Mark Schertle said……. “By providing food parcels and establishing ‘top-up’ shops, MK Food Bank supports bereaved families, working people on low incomes, parents and children fleeing domestic violence, and families with disabled children or sick relatives…