Big push for Leeds food bank donations in remaining summer weeks

Vital donations are needed to keep Leeds food banks in enough supplies to deal with increased demand during the remaining weeks of the summer holidays.
Leeds South and East Foodbank volunteers, with John Newbould at the front.Leeds South and East Foodbank volunteers, with John Newbould at the front.
Leeds South and East Foodbank volunteers, with John Newbould at the front.

As part of our Feed A Family campaign this week, the YEP has reported on the rising need across the city for emergency three-day food parcels as benefits changes, debt and surprise bills hit families hard.

But a major reason for a increase in demand over recent months is thought to be “holiday hunger” caused by children missing out on free school meals during the break.

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This is the Leeds cafe giving free meals to those in need
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Volunteer operations manager for Leeds South and East Foodbank, John Newbould, said: “It’s crucial. We’ve probably got enough to supply two, at a stretch three weeks, by which time we will be absolutely desperate.

“I would appeal to anybody that’s concerned about people in crisis, struggling for food – it’s really, really important that people make donations no matter how big or small.”

Financial contributions are also welcomed, as it costs roughly £1,600 per month to run a service.

In 2013/14, the Leeds South and East service alone fed 1,216 clients. Between April 2017 and March this year, 9,018 had to turn to the service.

For details of how to donate to the services, visit www.leedsnorthandwest.foodbank.org.uk or www.leedssouthandeast.foodbank.org.uk