DEMAND for food bank parcels has soared in Coventry, the council has said, leading to calls for donations to resupply community hubs.
Coventry City Council said the voluntary hubs around the city are providing over 1500 food parcels and vouchers each week for households through the coronavirus pandemic.
According to food hub volunteers, the demand is increasing and food donations are still needed.
Organisers are responding to a host of unique circumstances that have seen individuals and families requiring support to access food – from those that are self-isolating at home to people in fraught financial difficulties created by the pandemic.
The parcels and vouchers are being distributed through a variety of community schemes and partnerships including Hope Coventry, Foodbank, Langar Aid and a network of community centres hosting Social Supermarkets and Grub Hubs.
Coun Faye Abbott, Chair of Feeding Coventry, said: “As one of the organisations involved, we have seen an incredible response. Community centres, hubs and partners have rallied to help people in need over the last few months, and our latest figures really show how demand continues to increase as more people require support.
“We have all been overwhelmed by the way that people have cared for one another and stepped in to ensure that everyone in Coventry has access to food and any other help that they need.”
Stoke Heath Community Food Hub started operating on May 29 and has already distributed 25 parcels through the Grub Hub model.
In order to continue their work, many of the hubs rely on community donations from members of the public.
One of the best ways to help is by supporting Coventry Foodbank. Go to coventry.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/
People who are in need of help or know friends or family struggling can get in touch with the Council on its customer services telephone number 08085 834333.
