Easter collection for much-needed food donations launches at Islington Council

Following generous food donations from Islington residents at Christmas, Islington Council has once again asked for help in supporting local people this Easter. Residents can donate much-needed food at various collection points across Islington from today that will support local people and families. Donations can be made at the Islington Customer Centre (222 Upper Street), St John Street Area Housing Office and Holland Walk Area Housing Office during office hours. The council will be accepting donations until Friday 26 April.

Urgently needed items include pasta, rice, pasta sauces, tuna, tinned corned beef, tinned tomatoes, tinned fruit, tinned rice pudding, tinned vegetables, red kidney beans, butter beans, chickpeas, baked beans, cereals, long life milk, long life fruit juice, instant coffee, chocolate bars, custard, deodorant, shampoo, shower gel, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. 
 
The joint initiative between the council, The Pilion Trust, and Islington Food Bank will help to ensure people do not go hungry and support those in need.  As well as encouraging members of the public to donate, the council is calling on its own staff to give what they can as well. 
 
The number of residents referred by council services to the Islington Food Bank has more than doubled since Universal Credit was rolled out – from 90 in June 2018, to 220 in March 2019.This week it was announced that Islington Council have helped over 2,000 residents with the switch over to Universal Credit, with a one-off payment equal to one week’s net rent. 
 
Cllr Troy Gallagher, who has led the council’s food bank collections said: “Once again, we know we can call on Islington’s fantastic community spirit, and so many generous people, to help people at what can often be a difficult time. We’re asking our local residents if they can help others in their community by donating much needed food.”
 
Cllr Una O’Halloran, Islington Council’s executive member for community development, said: “If you are able to help by donating what you can this will be hugely appreciated and will go a long way in supporting local people who are in need – no matter how little. 
 
“Together we can help make a difference - we will do everything we can to ensure no person or family in Islington goes hungry this Easter.” 
 
Savvas Panas, CEO of The Pilion Trust, said: “During these times of uncertainty and austerity we find more and more working poor families struggling to make a choice between heating and running lights or feeding their family.  
 
“We see over 25 families and individuals a week coming to access our Fresh Food Bank as their incomes don't stretch to cover the basic costs of living.  
 
“Please support your local residents and community during these hard times.” 
 
The collection runs until Wednesday 17 April and all items will be donated to The Pilion Trust and Islington Food Bank. Donations can be made in the lobby of Islington Customer Centre (222 Upper Street) between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, St John Street Area Housing Office (245 St John Street) between 9am – 4.45pm Monday to Friday, and Holland Walk Area Housing Office (85 – 88 Holland Walk) Monday – Friday between 9am – 4.45pm.  
 
For more information, visit http://www.piliontrust.info/ or https://islington.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/