Colchester City Council and recycling contractor Plan B Management Solutions have made a major donation to Colchester Foodbank, with further donations to be made throughout the year.
This is due to the council's recycling contract with Plan B Management Solutions for the reselling of recyclables collected by the council's kerbside recycling service and supports the council's ambition to increase its recycling rate.
Plan B Management Solutions are committed to supplying an equivalent number of items to Colchester’s foodbank each year to match Colchester’s recycling rate. The more waste residents recycle, the more food items will be donated to support those most in need.
Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester City Council Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Waste, said: “With the rising cost of living and donations to foodbanks going down recently, food item donations are needed now more than ever. I’m delighted to be working with Plan B Management Solutions to support Colchester’s foodbank, whilst aiming to increase our recycling rate.
“Our residents recycled 54% of all waste produced in the city last year – so that’s 5,400 items Plan B will donate to Colchester foodbank over the next 12-months to support those most in need.
"I would like to thank residents for their recycling efforts and ask them to keep going as I think we can do even better.''
The company works for several local authorities across the country and has supported foodbanks across the country in areas where they work.
Craig Cutajar at Plan B Management Solutions said: “We are pleased to be working with Colchester City Council and continuing our ongoing commitment to support the local communities within the areas we operate. It is a privilege to be working with Colchester Foodbank in addition to the other food banks we support across the UK, including Chelmsford.”
Mike Beckett, CEO at Colchester Foodbank, said: “We are delighted to work with Plan B Management Solutions and Colchester City Council. With the cost-of-living crisis, Colchester Food is at its busiest, ever, and we are committed to ensuring local people in crisis have the food they need so they don’t suffer. A big thank you to all those who support us. It down to their generosity that helps us feed about 2,000 people a month.”
Pictured above, left to right: Jordan Smith, Plan B Management Solutions; Mike Beckett, CEO Colchester Foodbank; Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Waste, and Rob Doran, Fleet and Depot Contract Manager for Colchester City Council.
Page last reviewed: 29 August 2023