City food bank to benefit from share of £636,000 Covid crisis cash

Thirteen charities in the region have benefited from money from Defra’s Food Charities Grant Fund, with grants ranging from £30,000 for small charities to almost £100,000 for large organisations.

Since the fund was launched in May, 65 charities across England have been awarded more than £3.5 million, providing millions of meals to those in need.

The grants are designed to provide immediate support to charities helping to feed those suffering from the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak, including the elderly, those who have left home due to domestic abuse, or those who are struggling financially.

The Food Charities Grant Fund was part of a wider £16m funding pot, announced in May, which has seen millions of meals provided to thousands of front line charities, with a wider programme delivered by FareShare and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme).

Food Minister Victoria Prentis said: “Food charities across the Midlands are dealing with myriad challenges presented by the coronavirus – including a significant increase in demand and often having to adapt to different ways of working.

“We are seeing some great solutions from these organisations, such as home delivery services and social supermarkets.

“All of these charities are doing an excellent job at getting essential supplies to those in their communities who are vulnerable, which is why it is so important they have this extra support to help those most in need.”

Further guidance on how to access food and other essential supplies during the coronavirus pandemic is available on gov.uk.