White Rose Shopping Centre names Leeds South and East Foodbank as charity of the year for 2020

The foodbank has been helping people in south and east Leeds since 2013, and now has 11 distribution centres. In just one year from April 2019 to March 2020, more than 14,000 people used the facility’s services.

The partnership was agreed before local communities were impacted by the country-wide coronavirus lockdown, but the White Rose team is now keen to kick-start its activity, with the aim of supporting food bank users where possible during this time. Planned fundraising events have been temporarily postponed, so the White Rose will instead be making an initial monetary donation of £4,500.

Steven Foster, general manager of the centre, said: “Now more than ever, we each need to do whatever we can to support our local community. We’re really pleased to be working with the Leeds South and East Foodbank – it’s obvious to see the positive impact they have. We will get through this trying time together.”

John Casey, the foodbank’s chairman of trustees, added: “Leeds South and East Foodbank is thrilled about its partnership with White Rose Centre. We already know that the coronavirus is having a devastating effect on people’s lives and livelihoods, and as White Rose’s ‘Charity of the Year’ Leeds South and East Foodbank will use the additional resources to support more local people who lack the basic income to feed themselves and their families.” The foodbank is currently running low on items including coffee, dilute juice, tinned foods, instant mash potatoes, UHT milk, and toilet roll. To donate, visit leedssouthandeast.foodbank.org.uk or drop off food items at White Rose’s Sainsbury’s.