A Swindon food bank has been boosted by a donation as it looks to keep its shelves stocked during half term and the summer holidays.

Teams from housebuilder Barratt David Wilson made a contribution to help the Swindon Food Collective continue to serve the community as it battles with the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.

The company is collecting at their offices throughout the spring and summer to help the food bank meet demand.

Cher Smith MBE, manager of the Swindon Food Collective, said: "For the first time in a long time we are having to purchase high levels of stock to ensure we can feed the numbers of people coming through our doors.

"Everything from shampoo and toothpaste to tea bags and tinned vegetables are in really short supply.

"Knowing companies like Barratt Homes Bristol and Barratt David Wilson Homes South West are sharing news of what we do with their staff, and triggering this kind of response, makes such a difference."

In 2023, Swindon Food Collective fed almost 10,500 people, a quarter of whom were children.

The organisation, which was founded in June 2018, is run by more than 110 volunteers and five part-time, paid members of staff.

The food bank relies on donations of non-perishable, tinned or dried food and toiletries from various sources including businesses, churches, schools, community groups, supermarkets and individuals.

These contributions are used to assemble food boxes that are distributed via the collective’s 12 distribution centres around Swindon.

Louise Ware, sales director for Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, said: "We know that during holidays like half term when there are no school meals to rely on, the stress hits families harder than ever.

"Initiatives like Swindon Food Collective recognises and respects those families with the help they provide which is why were really keen to offer our support."

Andrea Pilgrim, sales director for Barratt Homes Bristol, added: "The Swindon Food Collective shows the difference communities can make when people pull together.

"Something like an office collection is so simple but can add up to a big difference to a charity like this.

"Our teams feel it is a complete privilege to be involved."

To support Swindon Food Collective, visit the organisation's website.

Barratt Homes Bristol and Barratt David Wilson Homes South West are currently building new homes at Wichelstowe.

Residents at Wichelstowe can donate food to the Swindon Food Collective at the nearby Waitrose.