Steyning’s Sussex Produce Company raises £3,000 for foodbanks

Nick Hempleman of the Sussex Produce Company, in High Street Steyning, said the shop had matched donations for families in need from its ‘amazing’ customers.

The shop has donated goods like flour, eggs, pasta and toilet rolls, and is now ensuring that each box that goes out every week has got five bags of fruit and vegetables in it.

Mr Hempleman thanked his customers, staff and suppliers, and said: “It is fantastic what we have achieved so far as one small shop and shows what can be achieved when the local community work together in the face of adversity.”

Emma Elnaugh, Managing Director of Horsham Matters, which runs the foodbank, said: “The food donated by The Sussex Produce Company and their customers has been valuable to our foodbank support across the District.

“We are facing an unprecedented need for food and to be able to supply fresh food alongside our emergency parcels is very impactful.”

The shop has also been supporting Steyning Grammar School with fruit and vegetables for delivery to vulnerable families, and has made more than 1,000 deliveries to people who are shielding and not able to get supermarket delivery slots.

Andrew Griffiths MP said: “Community action has been at the heart of the Covid-19 response and it is people’s kindness and generosity that has supported those with greater needs. 

“Nick and his team have been a great example of this, supporting Steyning’s residents throughout the last few months, and I would like to say thank you.”

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