Food Forum launches distribution effort for those in need

Published: 1 April 2020

Working with the support of the Derby Covid Community Response Hub, a subgroup of the Derby Food Forum network will be facilitating the temporary distribution of food in the city to those in need.

It is hoped that the project will support those who, during the coronavirus pandemic, may be struggling to access or purchase food.

The initial food distribution centres will be available at designated times to allow for a flow of people to attend, but not conflict with social distancing rules.

Depending on the situation of the person or persons in need, food may be delivered to them by a member of the team or collected by the individual.

Existing food banks in the city will have discretion to continue to support people they already know are in need. The provisional process for ‘new’ recipients of food supply support is:

• Individuals should make their request for food to the Derby Covid Community Response Hub (contact details below).
• A referral will then be passed from the hub to a Local Ward Coordinator, who will aim to call the recipient within 24 hours to discuss needs and logistics. This will be based on priority need (excluding weekends).
• The Ward Coordinator will then email the most suitable Local Food Distribution Hub with details of the people in need. This information will include if the food needs to be delivered to the recipient’s house, or if the recipient will collect.
• If a recipient requires ongoing food parcels, then they will need to call the hub each time so that it can be seen if any circumstances have changed.

Donations and volunteering

Volunteers will also be co-ordinated through the Derby Covid Community Response Hub, who can be contacted via email or 01332640000.

If you would like to make a monetary donation for the foodbanks please email Paul Brookhouse. We will not be accepting cash donations due to restrictions on movement.

All financial donations will be used solely to purchase food and we really appreciate any financial help we receive to support those in need.

If you are wishing to donate food to the initiative, please take a look at the following guidance:

• If you have food you wish to donate but you know of family or friends or neighbours who need food, please deliver to them safely to minimise social interaction and leaving your home.
• If you don’t know any of above, please contact your local food bank to see if you can donate directly to them.
• If you don’t know any local food banks then please contact Paul Brookhouse via email or 01332 640000, who will happily point you in direction of your most local food bank.

Councillor Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing, said:

During the coronavirus pandemic we are all faced with obstacles and are having to live in a very different way to what we are used to. Unfortunately, for some people in the city, these difficulties extend to accessing vital resources such as food. We’re very glad to have organised a method of supporting those in need to ensure they have access to food and appreciate the coordination and enthusiasm of all partners and volunteers across Derby.

Community, Health, Public safety