Liam Payne urges fans to donate due to 'disturbing' amount of people with no food
One Direction star Liam Payne has been volunteering at a foodbank and has urged people to donate due to the “disturbing” amount people currently without food amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The big-hearted star has donated money worth 360,000 food parcels to The Trussell Trust - who support a country-wide network of food banks.
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But the 26-year-old didn’t want to just contribute financially, so has been volunteering at a foodbank in Euston, London and has been shocked at the scale of requirement for them.
Payne told The Mirror: “I was told that in terms of people turning up to that specific foodbank, it was almost double, if not more. It's terrible people need food banks anyway but now, it's getting worse and worse.”
The Trussell Trust recently revealed a huge leap in people needing their services as the coronavirus pandemic continues to have an impact on people financially.
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They have processed 81% more emergency food parcels across the UK compared to the same period in 2019, including a 122% rise in parcels for children.
Payne said: “The numbers are crazy - and it's just disturbing to know how many people are without food in these circumstances. I hope enough people out there know about these food banks and can get down to them.
“I want to urge anyone reading this to donate to The Trussell Trust if you’re able to. I know lots of people are in a really difficult financial position right now so can’t - but if you can please do donate.”
The star took to Twitter last month to explain his decision to make a “long-term commitment” to volunteering with The Trussell Trust.
Thank you @TrussellTrust pic.twitter.com/esex0lMiTL
— Liam (@LiamPayne) April 24, 2020
He addressed his 32 million followers along with a photo of him hard at work in a food bank.
He wrote: “I’m glad to be playing a part as we work towards a future in which nobody needs a food bank.”
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The Trussell Trust is an anti-poverty supporting a network of food banks.
They campaign for a future where everyone can afford their own food.
If you are able to, you can support them by make a donating here.