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.