County Councillor Azhar Ali, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, is supporting a national event aimed at making people aware of food poverty.
The event, called The End Hunger Fast, is supported by local church and faith leaders. County councillor Ali is urging people to take part in the fast and to support their local food bank by donating goods or money, or by giving up some of their time to help out.
He said: “Food poverty is a growing problem that everyone needs to be aware of.
“It’s shocking that 5,500 people across Britain were admitted to hospital with malnutrition last year. This is a health issue that we should all do something about and suppor! ting your local food bank is an excellent way to do this.
“The food banks feed families in disadvantaged areas but they need the help of the local community to keep providing these services, whether from people helping to prepare or hand out the food, or to make donations.
“I’d encourage everyone to fast on Friday 4th April and support their local food bank whenever they can.”
Lancashire County Council has been working with food banks as part of its plans to target health and social care services at those who are in greatest need of support.
• For more information about End Hunger Fast, visit: http://endhungerfast.co.uk