Distribution of food bank Real Easter Eggs begins

MORE than 700 Easter Eggs made in Oxfordshire have been donated to food banks by churches from across the UK.

The donation scheme, run by The Meaningful Chocolate Company, allows donors to purchase a discounted Real Easter Egg online for delivery to food banks, including Trussell Trust distribution centres. Distribution of the eggs began in early April. The Real Easter Egg is the first and only Fairtrade chocolate Easter egg with a copy of the Easter story in the box.

Launched in 2010, following a trial involving the Oxford Diocese, more than a million Real Easter Eggs have been sold with 750,000 of these sent through the post directly to churches and schools.

The popularity of the eggs meant that such a large volume of chocolate was needed that in 2016 production moved to the Barry Callebaut factory in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

The Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, v isited the factory to see how chocolate is made. David McDonald, manager of a Trussell foodbank which received some of the eggs, said: "The Trussell Trust is a Christian organisation and at the most special time in the Christian calendar we are delighted to be able to carry the Easter message in such a tasty way to the people who need our help.

Our visitors come from every walk of life and all faiths and none, but everyone loves chocolate eggs. One third of the food we give out is for children and we feel that it is important that struggling parents are able to give their youngsters a treat. "To donate an egg to a food bank click here.

The eggs can also be purchased in Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose and ASDA.

Picture by Chris Bull for The Meaningful Chocolate Company Distribution of Food bank Real Easter Eggs begins More than 700 Easter Eggs have been donated to food banks by churches from across the UK.

The donation scheme, run by The Meaningful Chocolate Company, allows donors to purchase a discounted Real Easter Egg online for delivery to food banks including Trussell Trust distribution centres.

To donate an egg visit www. realeasteregg. co. uk Present: Bishop of Warrington, Bishop Beverley Mason and Manager of the Warrington Trussell Trust Food bank, David McDonald.

Further info from - David Marshall Director The Meaningful Chocolate Company Ltd.

Office: 0845 122 2882 Mobile: 07834 320120