East Midlands Railway has announced that, alongside the Community Rail Partnerships, they have donated £2500 to food banks across the East Midlands to support families during the Pandemic.
Over the past few weeks, there has been an increased demand for food banks due to additional financial difficulties faced by everyone.
Food banks are seeing an increase in referrals, but they are also seeing a decline in food donations from food retailers and the public.
The money donated by EMR will help purchase ‘top-up' supplies for food parcels as well as contributing towards the costs of operating home delivery services.
The funding will go to the following food banks:
- £1500 – Rural Action Derbyshire (Matlock, Belper and Long Eaton / Sawley) – Derwent Valley Line CRP
- £500 – Boston Food Bank, Lincolnshire – Poacher Line CRP
- £500 – The Lyme Trust, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire – North Staffs CRP
What did the officials say?
Will Rogers, Managing Director, EMR said:
“The Community Development Fund is used to support initiatives that have significant impact in the wider communities EMR serves.
“We are delighted to be able to support these foodbanks across the East Midlands at such a difficult time for so many of our local communities.”
Bev Parker, CEO of Rural Action Derbyshire said
“We are extremely grateful to EMR for this funding which means that we can help three foodbanks to purchase ‘top-up' supplies for food parcels, helping to ensure that they are as balanced and nutritious as possible.
“There are 23 food banks across Derbyshire providing food for people who are in financial difficulties or who are vulnerable. We will be setting up a community giving page on our website very soon.
“Volunteers are always needed so please contact your local foodbank or volunteer online through the Community Response Unit page on the County Council website.”
CL Lewis, Senior Project Worker for the Lyme Trust, said:
“Thank you so so much from the bottom of the Lyme Trusts 83 resident's hearts. This monetary donation will enable us to buy food that residents can cook, as well as toiletries at this time of extra need.
The usual food item donations have dramatically slowed down due to this crisis that everyone is feeling. Again thank you all so much.”
Chris Ladner, Parish Resource Officer for the Boston Foodbank, said:
“Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. A simple box of food makes a big difference, with foodbanks helping prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.
“In these unprecedented times as a town, along with the rest of the country, our Foodbank has never been so important in supporting our community. Indeed, those using the Foodbank have increased considerably over the last month.
“The Boston Foodbank operates as a charity, relying on generous donations and food and money. This grant will be used to support those who are most in need within our community to help them through these tough times.”
Where Next?
RailAdvent Plus
Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Framed Prints, DVD's / Blu-Ray's and more
LocoStop Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline Steam Info
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
East Midlands Railway
Visit their website
