Rachael praises LNER as they ‘jump onboard’ the York Together Food Drive

31st March, 2023

Left - Adam Raffell from York Community Food Bank , Sara Jenson- Hospitality Manager at LNER , Rachael Maskell MP York Central, Richard Judge – Head of Customer Experience at LNER and Claire Ansley - People & Customer Experience Director at LNER

Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central has praised London North Eastern Railway (LNER) as they responded resoundingly to her plea to businesses, organisations and residents across the city to help feed families ahead of her York Together Food Drive initiative today and tomorrow.

The York Together event is being held across 4 venues across the city encouraging people to donate non-perishable goods to help feed families and replenish the depleting stocks of community food banks. As the cost of living crisis continues the need for emergency food is now outweighing the number of donations received.

LNER has responded to the MP’s request by donating more than 2500 meals to the initiative. The York MP was onsite at York Community Food Bank to take delivery of the pallet of meals donated by LNER with Adam Raffell, from York Community Food Bank.

Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, said “It is amazing that LNER has responded so generously to the campaign and their kind donation will go a long way in helping feed families in York this Easter. The cost of living crisis is having a huge impact in York. More and more people are seeking the help of food banks, many of whom haven’t visited one before are now needing to turn to them for help.”

“Food prices have increased resulting in an estimated 13,000 York families who will struggle to afford enough food this Easter. I’m grateful to businesses and residents for their kindness at this time.”

Claire Ansley, People and Customer Experience Director at LNER, said: “The communities we serve along the LNER route are really important to us. We are proud to be able to support the York Together Food Drive, which will make a difference to many families across the city.”

The 4 donation points at Acomb Explore, St Hilda’s Church, Southlands church and Central Methodist Church will be open from 10am-3pm on Friday 31 March and Saturday 1 April to collect donations of all in date and sealed non-perishable goods. All contributions received will then be distributed to community food banks across the city.