BAE Systems is donating £30,000 to help the food bank in Barrow provide for families and individuals in need this winter.

Working with volunteers in local communities in Furness, the donations will help fund emergency food parcels and ensure that goods can be safely stored, sorted and distributed.

Over the last four years, BAE Systems has donated over £600,000 to food banks, which have seen increased demand from those needing support.

Many of the foodbanks that will benefit from the donation are run by the Trussell Trust. Their foodbank in Barrow-in-Furness, which has seen its stock levels fall by two thirds, will receive £21,500 to help continue its support for the more than 6,000 individuals who use its services each year.

Matthew, Project Manager at Barrow Foodbank, said: “Over the last three years the number of people needing our help has risen by 44%, and many families are coming to us for the first time this winter. This donation will make a real difference to our community, helping us replenish our stores and continue supporting those in need.”

Neil Doherty, Project Manager, Social Impact, Corporate Responsibility, BAE Systems Submarines, said: “Supporting causes in our local community is at the heart of our community investment programme and is hugely important to our employees. We’re very proud to support Barrow Foodbank and the fantastic work they do.”

*Also at the Submarines business, staff participating in the Give As You Earn scheme raised £30,413.72. The money was distributed across 33 charities in an event at Barrow’s Forum.