Hubs set up to help feed the needy

COMMUNITY hubs have been set up across Warwickshire to ensure vital food food supplies are delivered to the homes of those most in need during the coronavirus epidemic.

Borough and district councils across the county are using public buildings to set up the hubs, where vital food parcels are made up and sent out for delivery.

The locations of these hubs are being kept underwraps.

Council officers and volunteers have been mobilised to make sure vulnerable residents identified by the NHS on their ‘shielding’ list get the supplies they need to ensure they can stay at home safely.

Work is also underway with food banks and other volunteer groups and the hubs will also help to provide financial advice.

Councillor Julie Jackson, leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said: “It is great news that we have now set up the Hub and are directing help to those residents who are most in need.

“We have a team of dedicated staff who are working hard to package and deliver the food and are determined to provide as much assistance as possible for those residents who are most vulnerable.

“Rest assured we will continue to work closely with our dedicated community and volunteer groups to do our very best to provide all the help we can to our residents at this most distressing time.”

Her comments were echoed by Cllr Seb Lowe, leader of neighbouring Rugby Borough Council, who said: “I know that the restrictions on going out and meeting people are having a significant impact, and this is being felt particularly strongly among residents who were already amongst our most vulnerable.

“Rugby Borough Council made it clear at the beginning of this pandemic that we are committed to building communities and supporting vulnerable residents.

“There are neighbourhood groups organising themselves across the borough to provide that essential support and we will put residents in touch where this is helpful.

“We have also compiled a directory of businesses that can deliver food to residents at home, and this may prove a useful option for some.”

He added: “But where there is no family nearby and these other support mechanisms are not available, we will step in.

“Our team has spent the past few days preparing and will soon start packaging and preparing food parcels for delivery.

“These members of council staff have redeployed from across the council to provide this service, and I am grateful for their long hours, hard work and commitment to the communities they serve.”