Over Easter, Rachael Maskell MP attended the Gateway Centre in Front Street, Acomb, together with Councillor Janet Looker to hand over Easter eggs to York Food Banks. The Trussell Trust run the food bank in Acomb but they distribute food throughout York and have centres in Tang Hall, Bell Farm and the city centre.

In 2015/16, The Trussell Trust’s Foodbank Network provided 1,109,309 three-day emergency food supplies and support to people in crisis in the UK. Of these, over 400,000 went to children. All of the food is donated by people in the local community (schools, businesses, churches and individuals) and volunteers help to sort, pack and distribute the parcels.

All the people who apply to the food bank have been referred by care professionals in an attempt to ensure that no-one in York goes hungry. This is the third year running that Ms Maskell has organised the Easter egg collection and this year the total has exceeded all expectations with more eggs than ever being donated.

Rachael Maskell MP says:
“We have many families in York who are dependent on the Food Bank and whilst the staff do a brilliant job it would be wonderful if everyone had enough money to live on and there were no need for food banks at all. As it is, the Conservative Government’s policies mean that more people than ever are going to be relying on food banks to support their families as the impact of universal credit kicks in and benefits are cut to the bone.

“Every child deserves a treat at Easter and I am thrilled that so many people have donated Easter eggs for the food bank this year. It’s great when people across the community step in to help out when needed. As a result of their generosity there will be many happy faces across our city.  I wish everyone a happy and peaceful Easter.”