FOODBANKS in Droitwich, Evesham and Pershore are set for a much-needed financial boost from Wychavon District Council so they can help those in crisis who need them.
The authority has put forward more than £110,000 through the Local Authority Emergency Assistance Grant (LAEAG) of £101,427 and £10,000 of Spacehive Crowdfunding for food and essential supplies.
Other organisations set to benefit include Droitwich CVS, Caring Hands in The Vale, Pershore CVS and more.
Wychavon also provided funding of £8,600 for ‘holiday hunger positive activity programmes’ over the summer.
This went to activity providers across the district through the social mobility programme to extend their delivery in a Covid-19 compliant way and to include the provision of food to tackle the issue of holiday hunger.
Businesses and restaurants across the district have come forward to provide free meals and packed lunches for children over half term.
These include Queens Fish Shop and Spice Fusion in Droitwich Spa, The Spud Man and New Hampton Farm Shop in Evesham, as well as The Deli and Pershore Riverside Youth Centre in Pershore.
The council is also working with Worcestershire Children First to provide more support if needed and Worcestershire County Council’s Here 2 Help scheme is available which continues to support vulnerable people in the community.
A Test and Trace Support Payment of £500 is also available for people on low incomes who have to self-isolate. Certain criteria must be met and the scheme will run until January 31, 2021.
As well as this, through the Green Homes Grant scheme, homeowners and landlords can apply for vouchers to contribute to the cost of energy-saving home improvements – up to £5,000 for most homeowners, or £10,000 for low income households.
Coun Bradley Thomas, Leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “This is a difficult time for many and no-one should have to go hungry.
“By working together with Worcestershire County Council, foodbanks and local organisations we are able to provide welfare support directly to the people who need it most.
“We would also like to thank the community for their generous offers of free meals.”
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/community-and-living/coronavirus-covid-19-update for more information on the support available.
