A total of more than 5,000 food parcels have been delivered to vulnerable people in Leeds in less than a month, Leeds City Council has claimed, writes Richard Beecham.
The scheme, which works with food charity FareShare, local businesses and other charities, is now delivering more than 300 parcels a day during the coronavirus lockdown.
The council said local schools, colleges, social workers, housing officers, West Yorkshire Police and the NHS are working together to identify vulnerable people to receive the parcels.
Parcels are being delivered directly to people’s homes by volunteers or being made available for collection from local hubs such as schools and children’s centres.
Due to the daily demands on the service, local businesses are being asked to offer any support they can through donations of food or money.
Leader of Leeds City Council Judith Blake said:
“This is an unprecedented challenge and the first time we have ever run a programme like this in the city so thank you to everyone who is working together in an amazing way to make it happen.
“This is a perfect example of Leeds pulling together as a city to help our most vulnerable residents and it’s inspiring to see so many different businesses, organisations and services working together to help.
“We are however still in need of donations to keep the deliveries going. If any businesses or organisations think they might be able to help, please do get in touch with the service. Any help would be immensely appreciated and will help us to continue working together to help provide this vital lifeline to residents.”
For more information on how to donate food, please contact Benjamin Feely on 07891272150 or benjamin.feely@leeds.gov.uk. To donate money, please visit this website.
