Foodbanks are one of many charities affected by the coronavirus outbreak and demand is increasing as people lose their jobs or businesses or are self isolating. More than ever, the vulnerable, and that can include key workers serving the community during this crisis, need to be looked after in these difficult and uncertain times.

The Wammy parkrun has regular collections for the local foodbank in Newcastle under Lyme but they and every other parkrun have stopped due to coronavirus. When Gareth Copley-Jones noticed an emergency appeal for donations from Newcastle-Staffs Foodbank last week he wanted to do something to help them reach their target of £5,000.

Knowing we are missing our favourite Saturday morning activity, he created ‘5K for Foodbanks’ which involves running or walking the parkrun distance followed by a £5 donation to the Foodbank’s crowdfunder. Then nominate 5 fellow runners to do the same using the hashtag #5kforfoodbanks.

Whilst this initiative is on behalf of Newcastle’s local foodbank, Gareth hopes it will spread across the Staffordshire running community in a similar way to the ‘ice bucket challenge’ a few years ago. Maybe nationwide as he says: “It would be great if runners in other areas of the country took on the challenge.”

As of today (Monday 5 April) the Foodbank’s Emergency Fund stands at £950.

Find out more about the Crowdfunder appeal here.

Photo by Tom Wheatley on Unsplash