More than 5,000 food parcels have been delivered in less than a month to vulnerable people in Leeds as part of an unprecedented emergency food distribution programme in the city.
Managed by Leeds City Council working with partners including food and hunger charity FareShare, local businesses and the third sector, the programme is now delivering more than 300 parcels every day to families and individuals to help keep them safe and healthy at home during the coronavirus lockdown.
The programme has seen groups come together in a way never seen before in the city to help those in need or who cannot leave their homes in the current crisis. Local schools, colleges, social workers, housing officers, West Yorkshire Police and the NHS are among those working together to identify vulnerable people to receive the parcels, while support is also available for anyone calling the coronavirus helpline in Leeds on (0113) 378 1877.
Leeds City Council is overseeing the programme, with parcels being delivered directly to people’s homes by volunteers or being made available for collection from a local hub such as a school, children’s centre or local charity building. Same day delivery is also now available to help those in immediate need of food and basic supplies.
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. For more information on how to donate food, please contact Benjamin Feely on 07891 272150 or benjamin.feely@leeds.gov.uk. To donate money, please visit bit.ly/leedsfood2020.
Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, said:
“This is an incredibly difficult and challenging time for many families and individuals across Leeds. The scale and pace at which coronavirus has changed people’s lives is unparalleled and it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone in the city has access to food and basic supplies throughout this uncertain time.
“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 help and support during the lockdown, please call the coronavirus helpline on (0113) 378 1877.
For general information about coronavirus, please visit www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus.
This post is based on a press release ussued by Leeds City Council
