Smurfit Kappa supports local foodbank to help people in crisis

Two Smurfit Kappa plants have donated boxes to a foodbank in Norwich which distributes over 500 food parcels to people in need every month.

The Smurfit Kappa Norwich and Diss plants in the east of England made an initial donation of 1,200 boxes to Norwich foodbank allowing it to free up much-needed resources for support services.

Each parcel contains three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food items like teabags, pasta sauce and long-life milk. In the last year, Norwich foodbank has distributed over 9,250 food parcels in response to high demand in the region.

The food parcels are pre-packed into boxes throughout each of the bank’s ten distribution centres to ensure an efficient collection and despatch process.

Project Manager of Norwich foodbank, Hannah Worsley, commented: “We are delighted to have the very practical support of Smurfit Kappa for our charity.

“One of most consistent outgoings has been cardboard boxes and so to have this cost negated through this most generous donation, means our funds can be used elsewhere, ensuring those who are in need of our support within the community continue to receive the very best support we can give.”

Suzanne Armitt, Smurfit Kappa Business Development Manager for Norwich added: “Smurfit Kappa places strong emphasis on the importance of CSR, with the company actively encouraging us to dedicate time to give back to our local communities.

“We searched for local projects to offer our support and Hannah responded to our call. Once I met with her and saw the excellent work they do and how invaluable their service is to the community, I was excited about the prospect of collaborating with them on a long-term basis. We are extremely proud to be able to support through the donation of our boxes as we have seen first-hand the positive impact that the foodbank makes to people’s lives.”

As well as the ongoing donations of boxes, Smurfit Kappa employees from both the Norwich and Diss plants have volunteered to support with the packing of the food parcels.

Norwich foodbank has been providing emergency food supplies and support to local people since October 2010. To find out more information about the foodbank and how you can get involved, please contact Hannah Worsley at hannah@norwich.foodbank.org.uk.

 

Pictured above: Smurfit Kappa employees delivering the first donation of 1,200 boxes!