NEW ways for people to support Ilkley Food Bank have been developed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A spokesperson for Ilkley Food Bank said: "We are very grateful for the support by people who, in these difficult times, continue to donate food and other items to the Ilkley Food Bank by means of our usual donation points around the town.

"Sadly our recently opened ‘Pick – Up Point’, where clients could visit to collect food, has had to close as indeed have many shops and other local services. However the good news is our volunteers are working hard and are maintaining the food bank service by collecting food from donation points, packing it and then delivering directly to clients. In fact we have had an increase in the number of volunteers who have stepped forward to support us and we are very appreciative of them giving their time.

"Understandably at present many people wish to limit their movements and reduce their supermarket visits but we would ask that if you are shopping please make a contribution. Our clients are very thankful of the help you are giving."

"You can give in other ways: Aware that shopping may be limited and that people may not wish to venture out as they may be self isolating we have created two means for people to help through giving cash instead. All funds are used to maintain our stocks and buy extra supplies of the things our clients need.

"First there is a GoFundMe page: www.gofundme.com/ilkley-food-bank. You can visit the site, make a donation, anonymously if you wish, and share it with friends and family to raise even more. Launched at the beginning of April the response has and continues to be fantastic.

"Also if you have a Co-op Card the points you earn can, through a Gift Card, be converted to cash. These Gift Cards, given to the Food Bank, are used by us at the Bolton Bridge Road branch to buy more supplies.

"The Ilkley Food Bank has and continues, particularly even more so now with the restrictions we are all experiencing, to provide a vital service and your support makes a massive difference to local people’s lives."