University of Bedfordshire Professor joins Luton Foodbank campaign

A professor from the University of Bedfordshire has joined Luton Foodbank's campaign to encourage people to use its resources if needed.

In October, Luton Foodbank – a community charity supported by the University of Bedfordshire – launched its ‘Here to Help’ campaign.

Following the arrival of Covid19 and subsequent lockdown, many of the town’s charities have seen an increase in demand for their services after families and individuals found themselves effected by job losses and in financial difficulty.

Professor Gurch Randhawa, Director of the Institute for Health Research at the University of Bedfordshire, has joined the campaign and hopes his message will help remind people that the charity is there for them, and that they should not feel ashamed to ask for help.#

He said: “Sadly, food poverty is a daily lived experience for many people in the UK. I feel it is my duty, from a relatively privileged position, to do as much as I can to support Luton Foodbank – and to encourage those in need to access the foodbank.”

Rachel Hopkins MP, who is also a volunteer with the charity, said: “This is an incredibly challenging time for many in our town, and I encourage those that find themselves in difficulties to contact the Luton Foodbank.”

Salma Khan, the project manager of the Luton Foodbank, added: “There are many people faced with the uncertainty of not knowing if they will be able to provide for their families.

"We want them to know that we are here to help.”