GTR have announced Thameslink and Southern are taking part in a new pilot project The Railway Food Collection, with the Trussell Trust to support local food banks by providing donation points at stations.
GTR is partnering with Bedford Foodbank and The Black & Minority Ethnic Community Partnership (BMECP) Food Bank in Brighton to launch a community pilot, encouraging members of the public and railway staff to make food donations at new collection points at Brighton and Bedford stations.
Following the widespread impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, food banks across the country have seen unprecedented need for support.
At the height of UK lockdown restrictions in April 2020, the Trussell Trust’s network of food banks saw an 89% increase in need compared to the same period last year, with a staggering 107% increase in emergency food parcels for children.
The Railway Food Collection is launching as a pilot scheme for the industry, kicking off at Bedford and Brighton stations, as well as Glasgow Central.
The pilot will commence on Tuesday 21 July, with collections staffed by volunteers to run each Tuesday between 07:00 and 13:00 for the following six weeks at Brighton and Bedford stations inside the main station entrance at both stations. For more information you can find out here –
