Derbyshire: Donating food has just got easier

Councillor Dave Allen (left) and food bank volunteer Ben Martin launch Derbyshire County Council's food collection points

The council has made it even easier for Dales residents to donate food to their needy neighbours – as the number of people relying on food banks has tripled in the last year.

Derbyshire County Council has introduced food collection points in 40 locations across the county – including Matlock Library, the council offices at County Hall and John Hadfield House, in Matlock, and Shand House, in Darley Dale.

Cabinet member for health and communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to donate food and our libraries and many of our offices are in visible town centre locations with convenient opening hours.

“Food banks are facing increasing pressure as more people turn to them for help due to the rising cost of living, low incomes, delays or changes to benefits and unemployment.”

The move follows news from The Trussell Trust – the UK’s biggest food bank network – that the number of people relying on food banks has tripled over the last year.

Items which can be donated include tinned meat and fish, pasta, rice, soup, tea bags and instant coffee, cereals and biscuits.