A NEW project is to be launched in York to help people and families in urgent need.

A foodbank is being set up by churches across the city in conjunction with The Trussell Trust, to build up supplies of non-perishable foods that can be given to people in crisis.

Similar projects already exist in many other towns and cities across the country but this is the first in York.

Detailed plans are still being finalised by the organisers, but should be ready within three weeks.

The Trussell Trust encourages schools, churches, businesses and individuals to donate food to the banks, and volunteers then sort it and pack it into boxes for recipients, who are typically identified by care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, police or citizens advice workers.

Eligible recipients are given foodbank vouchers, which they can redeem for three days’ emergency food. They are also given advice on long-term solutions.

Supermarket collections have been used elsewhere, with shoppers asked to buy an extra item on their shop, to donate to the bank.

The York Foodbank can be followed on twitter at @YorkFoodbank or on facebook at facebook.com/foodbankinyork