Update: Covid 19 Food Parcel Service

Date published: 24 April 2020

This service is part of the emergency response for those who are in critical need of food and have no other means of accessing it, either through deliveries, or help from family and friends.

A Department for Communities Spokesperson said:

“The delivery of food parcels to those in need was developed as one of the key strands of the Departments emergency response to the current crisis situation. The service has been a major success with a large number of boxes being delivered to those in need via partnership working between Councils and our grass roots Community Organisations. When the scheme opened it was envisaged that approximately 10,400 food parcels would be needed, but due to the current situation the Department has delivered thousands more.

“Our current suppliers have now informed us that it not possible at present to go beyond a supply capacity ceiling of 18,000 food boxes per week. This is due to the sourcing of food, the capacity of suppliers to pack, prepare and distribute at volume – and additional limitations such as the need for social distancing requirements. We will continue to deliver to the thousands already receiving the parcels and the Minister will be holding urgent meetings with officials to explore all available options.

“This service is one element of our overall food support programme, aimed at those who are in most critical need. People can also use the helpline to be connected to other means of support, including volunteers who can collect shopping, or community groups and food banks who can provide support. For those people who still require access to such help contact the COVID Community Helpline on 0808 802 0020 in the first instance.”