Cadent Foundation, a new charitable foundation funded by the UK’s biggest gas network, has committed £240,000 to help food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network as they seek to support people affected by coronavirus.

The fund’s advisory board agreed to fast-track a grant to the Trussell Trust, which supports more than 1,200 food bank centres. The first transfer of funds was made today (20 March).

Julia Dwyer, Director, Cadent Foundation, said:

“Food banks are facing a huge challenge right now, with supplies low and many of their army of volunteers falling into categories that really must self-isolate – just at the time when the need for food bank services is greatest.

“Part of the core mission of our new foundation is to help people living in vulnerable circumstances. We had to do something in response to the coronavirus. Our advisory board met on Wednesday and unanimously agreed this financial support.”

Sophie Carre, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Trussell Trust, said:

“As the coronavirus pandemic develops, more people than ever may need help from food banks across our network. This presents a huge additional pressure on already overstretched resources. We may start to see a reduction in food donations and volunteers may become unavailable if they are in the at-risk categories or are self-isolating.

“It’s hard for us to say exactly what the picture will look like in the coming weeks across the UK as each food bank in our network is a local charity, run by a community for their local community, and each will be affected differently.

“We’re working closely with our network to understand each food bank’s situation, offer guidance, and work out how we can best support them. We know we won’t be able to do this alone, so we are truly grateful for this support from Cadent Foundation. Please look at our website to find out more about food banks and coronavirus.”

What is Cadent Foundation?

Cadent Foundation will have between £5m to £7m to be granted every year to charities and community groups based in North West England, the Midlands, South Yorkshire, East of England and the North London area.

This is the UK footprint of Cadent, the company which manages the 80,000 miles of gas mains in those areas, as well as providing a 24/7, year-round gas emergency service.

Cadent Foundation will receive a set annual share of Cadent’s after-tax profits every year. The first window for the charities and community group to apply for grants is due to open on Monday (23 March).

Administered by Charities Trust, these funds will support:

· People – projects that help alleviate suffering and hardship of people in vulnerable situations

· Environment – projects that will help protect and preserve the environment

· Communities – projects that provide a better and healthier community to live in and use

· Research and Innovation - projects that help eliminate harmful emissions and support sustainable energy (grants in this area will only be made through partnership arrangements).

More information on eligibility and how to apply for grants is at cadentfoundation.com

ENDS

Contacts for media information only:

Kevin Hegarty

07970 694897

media@cadentfoundation.com

Notes to Editors:

The Cadent Foundation was established in July 2019 with Cadent committing 1.25% of after-tax profits each year to the foundation.

The funds of the Cadent Foundation are administered by Charities Trust (Charity Registration No: 327489) who will manage the grant giving and ensure that all grants donated by the Cadent Foundation are only used to further charitable purposes for the public benefit.

About the Trussell Trust

The Trussell Trust is an anti-poverty charity that supports a network of more than 1,200 food bank centres across the UK. More information: trusselltrust.org