THE Press has teamed up with York’s new food bank in the fight against poverty in the city.

Volunteers have been overwhelmed by the public’s generosity since the food bank was launched last month, largely through donations and collections at local supermarkets.

Now the team is using part of The Press’s offices in Walmgate as an overspill warehouse, while they look for bigger premises of their own to store and sort food.

The Press launched its Stamp Out Poverty campaign last month to raise awareness of the crises facing many families in the city and to support those organisations working with those in most need.

Steve Hughes, managing editor of The Press, said: “Our Stamp Out Poverty campaign aims to raise awareness of poverty in York but also to provide practical support to those working on the front-line, so we are delighted to be able to support the York Foodbank.

“Recent research has shown that food poverty is a major problem for many households.

“It is deeply regrettable that there is a need for such services and vital that we support them, as York people have been doing.”

Elsewhere, York Yoga Studio is also backing the food bank by offering classes in exchange for donations to the supplies.

York residents will be able to take advantage of the 12 body movement classes at the studio on the condition they donate food. Instead of paying for their classes, clients have been asked to donate pasta, biscuits, jam, rice, tinned fruit or cereals.

Laurie Prime, who owns and teaches yoga at the studio, said: “In yoga, compassion and selfless service are important tenets, and this event gives us an opportunity to practise these concepts.

“We are aiming to donate 500 kilos of food over the week and plan to make this an annual event.”

The studio’s food bank charity week takes place from December 15 to 20.

“Visit yorkyogastudio.co.uk or phone Laurie on 01904 785704 for more details.