Residents of Oxford are being urged to lace up their running shoes to support anti-poverty charity Trussell Trust by taking part in the Race Against Hunger.

Irrespective of ability, everyone in Oxford is welcome to run, jog or walk, on Saturday 25 September, in order to help raise vital funds to end the need for food banks in the UK.

Fundraisers can not only choose their distance, but also plan their own route and take on the event at a time that works for them. From a 5K jog to a marathon challenge, this is an opportunity for everyone to put their foot down on UK hunger and join the Race Against Hunger.

In Oxfordshire, food banks within the Trussell Trust network gave out 16,371 emergency parcels to people facing crisis between April 2020 and March 2021.

Kate Merrifield, Events Engagement Manager at the Trussell Trust, said: “Joining Race Against Hunger is a great challenge for everyone, whatever your fitness level, age, background or ability. You can run, jog, walk or do it in fancy dress, while raising vital funds to help stamp out hunger in the UK.

“Race Against Hunger is more than just a run. It’s a movement for change. It’s not right that any of us need to use a food bank. That’s why we’re urging everyone in Oxford to put their best foot forward and join #TeamTrussell.”

“Race Against Hunger is a great way to get involved and, after a tough year for many, it’s time for change – together, we can create a fairer, more just society.”

Individuals taking part will be receiving training guides and support, a t-shirt, back sign and a ribbon to wear on the day, apart from supporting a good cause.

Currently, the Trussell Trust supports a network of more than 1,300 food bank centres nationally to provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty, with seven of those currently based in Oxfordshire.

Due to the pandemic, more people than ever are being forced to use food banks, and the charity has distributed 2.5 million emergency food parcels, a 33 per cent increase since last year, with 980,000 of those going to children.

Compared to this time five years ago, need for food banks has increased by 128 per cent and it is likely to increase further. According to the charity’s latest research, a million people across the UK have said they are very likely to need to use a food bank when Universal Credit is cut this October.

Jane Benyon, a representative of The Community Emergency Food Bank in Oxford, said: "Referrals to the food bank have remained high since the start of the pandemic, although August has been a bit quieter than previous months.

"We will need to wait and see the effect of the decrease in universal credit in October but we envisage this will affect many people on benefits."

By signing up for the Race Against Hunger, people in Oxford will be helping the Trussell Trust end the need for food banks in the UK and create long-term change to build a hunger free future.

To learn more about the Trussell Trust and the Race Against Hunger, click here.