HOUSING association Aster Group made a £750 donation to support Ringwood food bank through the increased winter demand. 

The food bank said 2023 was the busiest year yet, providing more than 44,000 meals to residents as well as other household items. 

Aster Group has supported community food banks across its operating areas with donations totalling more than £19,000 in recent years. 

Chris Lee, chair of trustees of Ringwood food bank, said: “The cost-of-living crisis continues to challenge those in need in our community.

“We are grateful to Aster Group for its kind donation which will help us support those who need our help in the communities of Ringwood, Fordingbridge and Verwood.” 

Darren Brazil, regional operations director at Aster Group, added: “Through our continued support of Ringwood food bank we’ve seen first-hand what a fantastic job the volunteers do for their communities, and sadly how much the need for support has increased each year. 

“We hope our contribution helped the volunteers to continue to support the increasing need of those in their local communities.” 

The Aster Foundation also supports customers with full benefits checks, budgeting advice, help to find employment and a digital college which delivers accredited learning online.