School food bank at Chiltern Way Academy Basingstoke

Chiltern Way Academy Basingstoke has joined hands with MCKS Charitable Foundation UK to distribute food parcels to families facing illness, financial challenges, and other hardships.

The scheme has been launched through regular donations of essential food and household items from Asda.

The effort is led by school staff Keelin Austen and Rebecca Marrs, who work closely with families to ensure the donations reach those most in need.

Chiltern Way Academy making a donation to the Camrose Centre (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Basingstoke Foodbank urging families not to miss out on support

Following the project's success, the academy is also expanding its reach to other Chiltern Way Academy campuses in Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, and Wokingham.

The project was launched following the unfortunate incident of a break-in at The Camrose Centre, a food bank and support hub, which deeply affected the Chiltern Way Academy community.

The incident particularly affected students, many of whom had personally benefited from food donations.

Inspired to give back, students proposed donating food to help the Centre recover, with some even contributing their own items.

On October 10, headteacher Benjamin Lewis, family support worker Keelin Austen, and office manager Mrs Pierce joined a group of students to deliver food and toiletries to The Camrose Centre.

During their visit, the students toured the facility and learned about its vital work supporting vulnerable individuals.

Chiltern Way Academy Trust said it takes pride in working collaboratively with the wider community and providing support wherever possible.

By launching the food bank and supporting local organisations like The Camrose Centre, the school aims to strengthen its presence and foster a spirit of generosity among its students and staff.