MALTON and Norton Lions Club has launched an online appeal to support Ryedale Foodbank during the Covid19 pandemic.

Lions president Jack Wilford said: “We wanted to do something to play our part in supporting people during the current crisis and we know what brilliant work the Ryedale Foodbank does supporting the most vulnerable people in our community.

“More people are struggling, and even after the pandemic is over it will take a long time for people to recover. The important work that the foodbank does is going to be needed for many months to come, so we are asking the generous people of Malton and Norton to give what they can to help the foodbank buy much-needed supplies to help local residents put food on the table.”

The Malton and Norton Lions have already donated £500 to the foodbank.

Foodbank manager Jacqui Griffiths said: “We anticipate demand for our services will grow as many people experience times of crisis. It is essential that we continue our service. However, we are changing the way we operate whilst this challenging time affects us all.

“We are suspending the opening times at all our centres, but instead we will deliver parcels to those who need them.

“The process for referral will be by email or telephone from one of our agency partners who will collate the information usually required on the red voucher.”

Jacqui added: “A parcel will be prepared and delivered to the person concerned and will be left at the door. The volunteer will knock and then move away and wait for the recipient to open the door before returning to their car.”

Jacqui said that making this change will mean that they needed volunteers who are prepared to deliver parcels.

“We continue to be amazed and inspired by the generosity of the people of Ryedale. We will need to rely upon your support even more as we change our way of working.”

To help, email info@ryedale.foodbank.org.uk or phone 01653 228118 or 07470 564745. To donate go to the Malton and Norton Lions Club’s page on Facebook or donate by text. To donate £1, text VPNA03 to 70201; £3, text VPNA03 to 70331; £5, text VPNA03 to 70970; £10, text VPNA03 to 70191.