Crucial funds reach community groups in Exeter during COVID-19 relief effort

The Neighbourly Community Fund, set up less than a month ago and kickstarted by M&S, has announced its support for local organisations in Devon, from food banks to youth clubs. The nationwide scheme has been set up to help provide immediate emergency funding to support the most vulnerable during the Covid-19 crisis.

As well as an initial £100k cash injection from the M&S family, vital funds for the scheme are also being raised by Sparks cards customers, who are able to select Neighbourly as their chosen Sparks charity when they shop with M&S in store or online.

More than 190,000 people will be helped by the 773 UK causes and groups that have already been accepted onto Neighbourly’s new funding scheme, which invited applications from all existing charity partners.

A number of Devon charities have secured funding, including Exeter Food Action who are already partnered with M&S Exeter through the retailer’s food surplus redistribution scheme. The charity collects and redistributes upwards of 25 tonnes of edible food every year to around 25 charities, schools and other organisations in the area.

Jon Curtis, Secretary at Exeter Food Action said, “Exeter Food Action redistributes excess food from wholesalers, manufacturers and retailers. The food that we receive from Marks & Spencer directly feeds those in our city who are in need. The willingness of M&S to allow this process to happen is both valuable and significant. It changes the narrative around how we think of food as a commodity, and because of the status that M&S has in our nations, it means those that often have the least, are given some of the best food our high street has to offer. This is particularly significant during the pandemic that currently casts a shadow over the people of the UK. Thank you for your support, and for helping to feed those who are in need.”

David Hole, Store Manager and M&S Exeter said, “We’re doing whatever we can to support our communities during these challenging times. Exeter Food Action is a crucial service for many vulnerable people in the area, so we’re really pleased to see them secure more support so they can continue to help more people in need.”

Charities who wish to apply for the next phase of emergency funding through the Neighbourly Community Fund, or anybody who would like to contribute to the fund, can do so by visiting www.neighbourly.com/NeighbourlyCommunityFund