intu Bromley and local food bank, Citygate Food Plus, have announced a charity partnership for 2016 aimed at helping vulnerable individuals and families across the borough, while also reducing food waste.

Citygate Food Plus’ core aim is to help those most in need, ensuring families and individuals have access to food and support by working in partnership with charities and businesses to redistribute surplus food and offer advice.

The foodbank collects fresh food from supermarkets and can also receive non-perishable donations – which means guests at intu can also get involved in the worthy cause.

Working with local charities including Women’s Aid, Bromley Children Project and Carers Bromley, Citygate Food Plus is able to identify those most in need of food parcels which are created from the donated food.

Citygate Food Plus Operations Manager Michael Reid said the foodbank is also looking to increase its core activity in 2016 to host lunches or dinners combined with family activities, as well as cookery workshops to teach people to make the most out of donated fresh ingredients.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with intu Bromley. This is fantastic news for Citygate Food Plus and presents us with an exciting opportunity to engage with the wider community in new and creative ways,” Mr Reid said.

“Working alongside an organisation such as intu, which takes its corporate social responsibilities seriously, will significantly enhance our efforts to expand our reach and fulfil our vision of supporting the most vulnerable members of the community.”

intu Bromley marketing manager Craig Higgins said with intu’s restaurant development set to open later in 2016, bringing five new eateries to Bromley, intu is delighted to partner with the food bank to eliminate food wastage while also helping many vulnerable locals.

“We’re very happy and excited to offer our support to Citygate Food Plus, who we know already do amazing work to help those within our community who are struggling to survive. We are looking into a number of activities throughout the year to support the charity and our guests will also get the chance to lend their support with non-perishable food donations at donation points that will be set up within the centre shortly.”

Last year intu Bromley raised more than £25,000 for a multitude of charities, with the centre excited to continue its community outreach and support through 2016.