A fresh produce and food distribution business in Downham is set to boost a local cause or charity each month after the launch of a new initiative.
Accent Fresh, a regional food service business based on St John’s Business Estate, plans to budget £250 a month to help local communities with its Accent Fresh Community Fund.
Steve and Karen Short, the main shareholders of the family-run business which was first formed in 1996, told the Lynn News that they have often been approached by charities and communities asking for donations.
The pair said they decided that a formalised fund would be a better way to help the community and to access more people.
Managing director Mr Short described it as a way of “giving a little back”.
Accent Fresh has donated to local causes in the past but this will be its first formalised initiative which will see it donate regularly.
The business also sponsors Festival Too and local sports clubs but this is separate from this new scheme and is part of the shareholders’ ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy.
This allows the business to target different areas of its organisation and implement more sustainable practices.
Mr Short said it is “within the ethos of the family-run business” to assist local communities.
Charities can view the criteria for applying for help from the community fund on Accent Fresh’s Facebook page.
Applications can be sent with the subject line ‘Accent Fresh Community Fund’ to Mr Short at steve@accentfresh.co.uk outlining the cause and information around the request to justify its consideration.
A small committee within the business will choose which charity to help for the month, with Mrs Short chairing it.
Successful applicants will be awarded the fund by the end of the following month to which they apply - with no causes awarded twice within a 12-month period.
The first fund of £250 has now been awarded to Ben Wuttke, who ran the London Marathon last month for Cardiomyopathy UK and who works in Downham.
The deadline for submissions for this month’s funding is May 21.
Reporting by Lola Jackson