Wakefield Council supplies food to vulnerable people in the district
Wakefield
Council has today distributed thousands of pounds worth of groceries to feed hundreds
of vulnerable people in the district.
The Council
stepped in and allocated £20,000 of funding to support local food banks after
hearing that many were struggling to source supplies.
Through its
membership of the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO), the Council has been
able to secure food to help people who are struggling to feed themselves and
their families.
Today food, has
been distributed by the Council to eight food banks across the district for
them to give to those in need.
Cllr Denise
Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “At this time of national crisis we
are very focused on ensuring that the most vulnerable people in our district
are able to access vital support and help.
“I’m delighted
that we’ve been able take action so quickly and to help food banks to continue
their important work in helping people.”
Approximately,
two to three weeks supplies of food have today been given to each food bank,
with items including tinned fish, fruit and vegetables, toilet roll, milk
powder, pasta, tea and cereals.
Cllr Maureen
Cummings, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Poverty and Chair of
the Wakefield and District Food Aid Network, said: “The food banks in our
district do incredible work week after week, year after year to make a tangible
difference to the lives of so many families. We are pleased to be able to help
them so they can continue their much needed work.”
The Council
will continue to work with food banks to assess what is needed during the
pandemic.
Wakefield
Council is also working with Nova Wakefield District and partners across the
voluntary sector to support families and individuals.
There are opportunities
for anyone who is fit, well and able to offer an amount of time, large or
small, to helping others People are asked to view current opportunities and
register their interest at volunteerwakefield.org or
search #WakefieldCares on social media.
Anyone worried
about themselves or someone else, who does not have an existing support network
of friends, family or neighbours can call the Council's dedicated phone line
0345 8 506 506 between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. Choose option 3 to make a
request for support and help will be arranged.