For the second year in a row, we have partnered with Bethany Community Emergency Foodbank in Erdington in an effort to help them stay stocked up during the festive period.

Just over 11,500 people turn to the emergency foodbank for help each year. So we have invited staff to donate non-perishable items, such as tinned beans, peas, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, sweetcorn, tuna and sardines, and help make this Christmas extra special for the many people of Birmingham who might otherwise go hungry.

Michael Lambe, Director, M. Lambe Construction, said: “An estimated 1.5 million children qualify for free school meals across the UK, but this provision is not available during the school holidays. Children from poorer families will almost certainly struggle to gain access to regular, healthy meals and return to school malnourished and lethargic.

“The real tragedy is the impact it can have on their education. Research tells us, children, from disadvantaged backgrounds, on average, remain 19-months behind their more advantaged peers by key stage 4; are unlikely to catch up and as a consequence, less likely to reach their full potential. Returning to school undernourished is clearly a big factor.

“This is one of the key drivers behind why I’m backing Bethany Community Emergency Foodbank again this year and I’m so delighted my team are just as passionate about supporting this initiative as I am.”

Further information on Bethany Community Emergency Foodbank can be found by visiting the website: www.bethanycommunityoutreach.co.uk