People in Ilford affected by the cost-of-living crisis will be able to access continued help from their local foodbank, thanks to emergency support given by a firm of estate agents.

The funding is part of a wider campaign by Douglas Allen Estate Agents to support foodbanks near to their branches in West Essex and East London.

The Redbridge Foodbank, which covers the Ilford area, has four distribution centres across the town and has received £5,000 from the Douglas Allen Emergency Fund.

The fund is administered by Essex Community Foundation (ECF) and since it was set up in December 2022, it has given grants totalling more than £100,000 to help those most in need.

Jocelyn Davis, from Redbridge Foodbank, said: “This financial year 2022/23, we have given out on average 266 food parcels every week, which is a 58 per cent increase on last year, and are constantly needing to replenish our stocks.

"The support from Douglas Allen Estate Agents is greatly appreciated and much needed by the individuals and families who are struggling financially at this difficult time.”

In addition to their Emergency Fund, and since January, Douglas Allen have been donating £100 to local community food banks every time they attend a property valuation. Staff have also been visiting their local foodbanks to learn more about their work, volunteer time and raise awareness of the food banks in their local area.

Group managing director Aldo Sotgiu said: “It has been a truly humbling experience for all of us to learn more about how foodbanks support our local communities.

"To be able to support and provide help in a way that gives back to our community is a great feeling and there is still so much more we need to do over the coming months.

"I just want to take this opportunity to extend a huge thank you to all our staff and customers who have made this possible.”

Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is affecting so many people and Douglas Allen Estate Agents have, once again, put their charitable foot forward to help their local communities. We are pleased to be working with them to support the vital running costs of local charities at this challenging time.

The Redbridge Foodbank is open:

  • Jubilee Church Ilford (Tues, Wed, Sat)
  • All Saints Goodmayes (Fri am)
  • Woodford Baptist Church (Fri pm)
  • Grange Hill Methodist (Sat)