Rutland Foodbank has been awarded a £500 grant to help them continue providing support throughout the pandemic after being nominated by local MP Alicia Kearns for Western Power Distribution's 'In This Together – Community Matters Fund'.

Rutland Foodbank will use the cash donation to continue providing essential food items for families in crisis.

Heather Armstrong, from Rutland Foodbank said: "We'd like to say thank you very much to WPD for the donation towards the Rutland Food bank. During the crisis it has been harder for our generous donors to find certain items to donate. This money will allow us to continue to ensure that those who cannot afford food can still access it and feed their families."

Rutland and Melton MP, Alicia Kearns, said:" Rutland Foodbank has continued to be a pillar of support to Melton's community throughout the pandemic and I am so very grateful to them for their hard work – which really does change lives. I'm pleased this funding will assist them in carrying out their phenomenal work."

The fund was established by the local electricity distributor at the start of lockdown to support grass root organisations deliver care to vulnerable people and families. It initially supported over 300 organisations with £500,000 funding.

As the lockdown lifted, WPD extended its support by a further £250,000 and offered MPs the opportunity to put forward a community group or charity for a grant to help towards its work to support the community during these challenging times.

Alicia Kearns MP also secured a £500 grant for the Melton and Distract Money Advice Centre through the WPD scheme.