MP launches new foodbank at Bedford train station

The MP for Bedford, Mohammed Yasin, joined Govia Thameslink Railway to launch a new partnership with the Bedford Foodbank at the train station.

Govia Thameslink Railway has partnered 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.

Following the widespread impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, food banks across the country have seen unprecedented need for support.

With the railway serving an important role in supporting and connecting local communities, the pilot - The Railway Food Collection - will initially support Bedford Foodbank and BMECP Food Bank in Brighton & Hove to increase the number of families in crisis that they can support, in partnership with UK charity The Trussell Trust.

Mohammed Yasin joined the Govia Thameslink Railway at Bedford train station for the launch.

He said: "Food bank use has rocketed in Bedford since Coronavirus has affected the finance, job and food security of families and individuals.

"I’m delighted to support The Railway Food Collection initiative which will help our local foodbanks ensure children and families are fed during the difficult summer holiday period.”

Tom Moran, Managing Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “The launch of The Railway Food Collection pilot follows a period of great difficulty for people across the country.

"We’re really proud to be working with these local food banks to provide support for the most vulnerable in our communities when demand for their services is so high.

"Throughout the pandemic we have seen great acts of charity, support and action; we hope that the food bank pilot can build on that and help the families that need it most."

Bedford Foodbank currently feeds over 650 people each month from the Bedford Borough area.

Andrea Badman, Assistant Project Manager, said: "Bedford Foodbank is extremely grateful to Govia Thameslink Railway for wanting to support the work we are doing by providing an opportunity to receive much needed donations to help local people in crisis."

The foodbank is currently a pilot scheme and will be in place at Bedford station for a total of six weeks, collections will be staffed by volunteers to run each Tuesday between 7am and 1pm, inside the main station entrance.