GENEROUS shoppers donated two car park spaces full of food for a Ryedale foodbank, as demand surges amid the cost-of-living crisis.

A ‘donation drive’ was organised by Ryedale Community Foodbank in conjunction with Morrisons Malton on August 29 where shoppers could drop of food items to the foodbank.

The fundraising event collected 471.75 kilograms of food and donations came to £164.50.

On the day, customers were asked when they entered the store if they would like to add items from the foodbank’s ‘wanted’ list to their shopping lists.

Shoppers obliged, with some donating entire baskets.

As reported by the Gazette and Herald, Ryedale Community Foodbank have noticed a large increase in those using the foodbank and are now having to fund items themselves due to donations slowing down.

Chair of the trustees at Ryedale Community Foodbank, Di Keal, said: “We are already seeing an increase in demand for food parcels and we anticipate this will increase still further once the huge fuel bills start to come in.

“As a foodbank we are committed to continue to do all we can to support local people who are struggling with these harsh economic times, not only by providing food, but also signposting them to other sources of help with things like fuel bills and debt.

“We would like to thank everyone who made a contribution to our 'donation drive’ and assure them that every item given will go out to people who really need it in the coming weeks.

“I would also like to thank all the volunteers who helped on the day and Morrisons community champion, Lisa Gibson for her fantastic support with the event and on a regular basis with the Foodbank.”

Lisa Gibson, Morrisons community champion said: “The challenge of the day was to fill a car parking space with donated food which I am thrilled to say we more than achieved.”

Anyone who would like to donate goods to the Ryedale Community Foodbank can drop them off at various locations across Malton and Norton, including Morrisons, Lidl, Skipton Building Society, and Nat West Bank.

Cash donations can be made through the foodbank's website: ryedalecommunityfoodbank.co.uk

Ryedale Community Foodbank also runs outreach foodbanks in Pickering and Kirkbymoorside.

Anyone who needs food aid must to get a referral voucher before they can visit to collect a food parcel.

These are available from Citzen's Advice, Ryedale District Council and Carers Plus Yorkshire.

Foodbank Opening Hours:

Norton (Howe Road)

  • Wednesday 10am to 12pm
  • Friday 1pm to 3pm

Pickering (Hungate Centre)

  • Thursday 4pm to 6pm

Kirkbymoorside (Methodist Church Rooms)

  • Thursday 9.30am to 11.30am