THE coronavirus pandemic has highlighted social inequality, so I find it uplifting to read about the efforts and kindness of strangers towards the disadvantaged in our communities.

Thinking about food poverty in particular, anything that can be done to support food banks and to prevent children going hungry over half term has to be good.

However, when I read that the Devonshire Arms are to make a donation to Skipton Food Bank for every soup sold in their new pop up restaurant I had mixed feelings.

The eating experience at the Devonshire Arms, “Yorkshire broth with crusty bread and lashings of butter, black pudding sausage rolls, Yorkshire Parkin with clotted cream all washed down with a luxury hot chocolate, a pint of Black Sheep or a mulled cider in the presence of a wood burning stove” sits uncomfortably next to the reality of people who are relying on food banks to feed their families.

Perhaps the Devonshire Arms could also join the many other businesses around the country who have rallied to Marcus Rashford’s call and provide a bowl of soup directly to needy children.

Carole Barlow.

Hellifield.