EMR’s community support

As demand for foodbanks increases, Bondholder East Midlands Railway (EMR) is supporting local communities with donations.

East Midlands Railway, in partnership with Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs), has donated £2500 to foodbanks across the East Midlands to support families who are facing difficulties due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

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

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.”

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

If you would like to help support the foodbanks, details can be found here.