East Midlands Railway and Community Rail Partnerships fund local foodbanks to support families during COVID-19 crisis.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs) have donated £2500 to foodbanks across the East Midlands to support families who are facing difficulties due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Over the past few weeks, there has been increased demand on foodbanks due to the additional financial difficulties that many people are facing.

Not only are they receiving a greater number of referrals but they are also seeing a decline in food donations and food surplus supplies from food retailers. The foodbank staff and volunteers have to find alternative ways of getting food to those in most need.

The money donated by EMR will help purchase ‘top-up’ supplies for food parcels as well as helping towards the costs of operating home delivery services, such as vehicle hire and fuel costs.

The funding will go to the following foodbanks:

• £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

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.”

To read the full press release, please follow this link.