INEOS funding for Falkirk church's frontline work in community during COVID

The company has given £2570 through its international community fund.

The grant will help support the vital work the charity does in the local community - in particular through its foodbank operations.

The INEOS cash will enhance planned provision of essential food and household items packages, as well as practical support for vulnerable people and those who are affected by self-isolation.

It will help the church buy a chest freezer to deal with additional supermarket donations so that no food goes to waste.

And it will allow it to continue operating its food bank in another area of Falkirk - the Braes - during lockdown and after restrictions have been relaxed.

The church was nominated by INEOS worker, James Lawder who is based at the Grangemouth site.

He said: “Falkirk Vineyard Church provides a vital service to the vulnerable in our community.

“Covid-19 has increased the amount of people that fall under that bracket and need extra support. This has put more and more pressure on organisations like the Falkirk Vineyard Church.

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“ I am extremely pleased that, via the grant from INEOS, we are able to help in some way and ensure the continuation of the great work the organisation does.”

Lockdown has had a huge impact on the church.

Its Food Pantry, which launched in 2018, distributed 173 bags of food and 38 toiletries and household parcels to 32 households within the Braes area in the first six weeks of lockdown.,

It normally operates a six-week food programme with toiletries and household parcels on weeks three and six.

As a result of lockdown, emergency food bags, toiletries and household parcels are now offered every two to three weeks - meaning an increased spend.

Dan Rous, Trustee at Falkirk Vineyard Church said: “Covid-19 has put an increased demand on our services and we have had to alter our services to best support the vulnerable in our community, whilst also ensuring our staff stay safe.

“The money from INEOS means that our foodbank service will be much more streamlined, with no donations being wasted. We will also be able to help more people by continuing the foodbank service in the Braes area.”

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