Havering food banks deliver 3k food parcels during lockdown
Food banks in Havering have provided more than 3,000 essential food parcels since the start of the pandemic.
As concerns remain about the impact of Covid-19 on people’s incomes and livelihoods, the borough’s food banks continue to play a vital role in ensuring that vulnerable Havering residents can access healthy meals.
In April, the first full month of the lockdown, the three foodbanks in the borough - Harold Hill, Collier Row/Romford and Rainham - supplied between 300 and 600 more food parcels to those in need, compared to the same period in 2019.
A massive 8.1 tonnes of food has also been donated to date by the Council’s food distribution centre, which was set up to help respond to the crisis, so the foodbanks can continue to help support those in need.
Paul Rose Chair of the Havering Compact said:
“The foodbanks are doing a great job in helping our community in these difficult times. There are also many volunteers helping to make this possible. The help from Havering Council has also enabled food supplies to be maintained at the peak of the pandemic.
He added: "Support from the community continues to be brilliant. Scout Groups, Schools, Churches, and other groups have helped with ongoing donations of food.’’
Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“The effects of the pandemic have been felt across our entire community, particularly residents that have needed more food support as they have experienced a drop in income because of illness, having less work or no work at all through the pandemic.
“We have worked tirelessly with the foodbanks, voluntary organisations and Council services to create a coordinated food distribution service to help support and ensure no one is left behind during this crisis.
“I am so proud of the way we all continue to work together to provide the fundamental support that helps our most vulnerable residents”.
The essential work of the foodbanks continues, even as lockdown restrictions ease. If you would like to help support them to continue to help our most vulnerable, please consider donating to their fundraising appeal.
There’s nine days left on the fundraising.