Youngsters get Cre8-tive to feed vulnerable
A CHARITY has stepped up its food distribution scheme to ensure those who may not be able to go to the shops stay fed during coronavirus lockdown.
Cre8, a young people’s community group based on the Moss Rose Estate, began the initiative in May last year.
It takes surplus food and groceries and redistributes them to those in greater need.
Now, with grants from a variety of sources, Cre8 has been able to increase the scope of the project to include a wider range of essentials.
It is also co-ordinating the Hope Covid-19 Food Partnership based at St Barnabas Church, which brings together foodbanks in the area.
Ameera Fletcher, from Cre8, said: “During this difficult time, we are so grateful to be able to come together as individual charities throughout the Macclesfield area to provide a unified service for the benefit of those in need.
“Sharing information and resources we are organising the food deliveries to make the most of the surplus food to people who would otherwise be struggling.”
Key to the operation is ‘Betty the Boxer’ a refrigerated vehicle that enables volunteers to collect, store and distribute food.
Also a huge help have been grants from the Cheshire Community Foundation and
Macclesfield Town Council as well as support from Cheshire East Council and Healthbox.
The foodbank co-ordination also involves Hope in North East Cheshire, the Core Community Hub in Upton Priory, the Hope Centre, Silk-life Food Bank, Cheshire Streetwise, Hope Central and FareShare Greater Manchester.
And other donors who have been thanked include TK Maxx, Aldi, Weston Park Care Home, Marks and Spencer, Oliver Valves, Love Music Trust, Youth Music, and the Rank Foundation.
This help has enabled initiatives such as one over the Easter weekend where 500 chocolate eggs were delivered to homes in Macclesfield.