Sutton businsess is driving force behind Rotary food bank scheme

The scheme – Rotary4foodbanks – is already delivering much needed supplies to food banks in the area, with the help of Taylor’s managing director Alan Taylor and his team.

John Cavey, Rotary’s co-ordinator for the scheme, said: “We could see a huge and growing need for food bank provision in our area.

“As a leading UK charity organisation Rotary is committed to helping meet that need.

“But without warehousing and an effective distribution network, Rotary4foodbanks would not be able to operate on the scale that is needed to meet that growing demand..”

That’s where long-time Rotarian, Alan Taylor stepped in.

Despite his own business feeling the strain imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic – Taylors has furloughed around 50 per cent of its 200 vehicles and 300 staff – Alan agreed to set aside around 2,000 square feet of warehousing space and allocate existing staff to sort stock for distribution.

Alan said: “Why wouldn’t you help when you see people in need?

“Even though we work internationally we have always been rooted in the East Midlands and it is only right to give back to the community in which you are based.

“It is a philosophy which runs right through to the heart of the business.”

Already, Taylors is making deliveries for the NHS and helping with the Daily Mail’s Mail Force PPE scheme.

Now, its vehicles are taking Rotary Club food supplies free of charge to food banks across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.

John Cavey continued: “The team at Taylors typifies all that is good about British business and its willingness to dig in and help the most vulnerable in the community.

“Now we are hoping that other businesses will support our initiative, with cash and goods donations to make sure that no family falls through the net when it comes to having enough food to eat.”

Anyone wanting to help in the programme – or food banks requiring Rotary4foodbanks – support can contact John Cavey at [email protected] or call 07855 299443.