With more people expected to rely on food banks this winter due to the cost-of-living crisis, the McCarthy Stone Foundation has donated £500 to a community fridge in Failsworth to help hard-pressed families this Christmas.

This comes as a study has revealed 10 million children and adults in the UK are experiencing food insecurity.

The £500 Christmas Cracker was presented to the Failsworth Community Fridge during a special ceremony at the McCarthy Stone Retirement Living development, Sydney Grange, on Ashton Road West.

Run by the staff at Co-op Academy Failsworth, the Community Fridge offers long-life food, hygiene, and sanitary products for free to anyone in need.

It has provided support to more than 20 families a week since it opened in 2021.

2024 marks the second year of the housebuilder supporting the local group, after last year getting to see first-hand, the great work which goes into the Community Fridge to support local people in Failsworth.

As part of its commitment to making a positive difference to people’s lives, the McCarthy Stone Foundation is hoping its donation will help alleviate some of the pressure on families at this time of year, so they can enjoy the magic of Christmas.

Jack Ryan, Buildings and Community Manager at Co-op Academy Failsworth, said: “The Community Fridge is a vital resource in Failsworth, helping to provide food and other essential items to those in need.

"Christmas can be a tough time for families, especially when combined with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which is why donations are more important now than ever.

"We’re incredibly grateful to the McCarthy Stone Foundation for their generous donation which will go a long way in ensuring locals don’t go without food on Christmas.”

Declan Fishwick, Business Development Manager at McCarthy Stone, added: “A key part of what we do at McCarthy Stone is engaging with and supporting the communities in which we build.

"Right now, many families are under increasing financial pressure from inflation and high energy prices, which means many will be forced to choose between putting food on the table and buying presents.

"This is a choice no one should have to make, which is why for the second year in a row, we’re supporting the Failsworth Community Fridge.

"Their contribution to the community is outstanding and we’re delighted to be able to chip in and help make a difference at this special time of year.”

The McCarthy Stone Foundation supports grassroots, volunteer led charitable causes that promote the health and wellbeing of older people.

It is the independent, registered charity of the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities, McCarthy Stone.