THE Middlesbrough FC Foundation has been awarded a huge funding package to support their ongoing provision of food parcels throughout Middlesbrough and the wider Teesside area.

The Foundation, which is the charitable arm of Middlesbrough Football Club, has been selected as one of Barclays’ charity partners.

As part of Barclays’ £100m Community Aid package, which was announced in April, the MFC Foundation has been awarded £100,000 to help support its work in the Tees Valley Community.

The MFC Foundation has been sourcing, organising and delivering food parcels throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and the relationship with Barclays will allow the charity to increase the scale of its work.

Working with the Food Poverty Partnership, the Foundation will ensure the funds are used to enhance sustainable food options in Tees Valley for the foreseeable future, ensuring that there are accessible and affordable options available for local people.

Helena Bowman, head of foundation, said: “This is a significant investment for MFC Foundation and will make a huge difference to individuals in our community who, unfortunately, are in a position where they require support with food.

“We will ensure that this funding is used to sustain a long-term impact and we would like to thank Barclays for their generosity.”

Barclays’ chosen partners in the UK include those who are meeting the immediate needs of low-income families, those facing financial hardship, isolated elderly people, NHS staff and key workers.

Judith Richardson, Barclays relationship director, said: “This crisis has had an unprecedented impact across the UK and we know this is an incredibly challenging time for many in the Teesside region.

“By reaching those most in need of support, local charities, such as Middlesbrough FC Foundation have played a vital role in this crisis to date, and no doubt they will do going forward.

“As a proud member of our community, we are doing everything we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope that our partnership with Middlesbrough FC Foundation will allow many others to access the help they need as this crisis develops.”