Foodbank provided with £10k boost as demand soars
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Andy Perris of the council’s Covid-19 group said he wanted to ensure everyone in Tiverton and the surrounding area knew that support was available to them
A foodbank has been allocated £10k from Tiverton Town Council reserves as part of a contingency plan as the lockdown continues.
Town councillors met on Monday, January 25 and approved to support the Churches Housing Action Team (CHAT) charity which acts as a foodbank and offers support and advice on housing and finance concerns.
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Andy Perris of the council’s Covid-19 group said he wanted to ensure everyone in Tiverton and the surrounding area knew that support was available to them.
He explained that the council and CHAT would also be organising a ‘lunch to go’ scheme in the future.
“There are a large number of people across hospitals in the South West,” he said. “A large number of beds in our hospitals are full. Our ITU capacity is almost full. We are getting patients transferred in from Dorset, accepting patients from London and the South East.
“We have to remember, that although we’ve had a slight reduction in the infection rate this week, that still means that will follow through that several people will follow through and come into hospital within the next two to three weeks.
“We’re nowhere near out of this yet; I would say we’re probably at our riskiest point.”
The £10k will be used as a contingency on top of a previous donation of the same sum.
“CHAT is reporting that they’re coming to the end of their finances in terms of the money they have received from national government,” Cllr Perris continued.
“We believe there may be some unmet need out there. The number of foodbank deliveries has gone up 400 per cent compared to an average January.
“I have concerns we’re not catching everyone, but even with what we’re seeing there’s an apparent increase in demand.
“We will try not to spend this money, and the town council will ensure it’s guarded and not let go without a full explanation, but that’s what reserves are for.”
He added that the money would ensure that cash would be able to provide at short notice if there is a problem.
“Another issue coming up is that we’ve had Age UK close in Tiverton, we are concerned that we’re not getting to the people who need us most,” he said.
“People who have the internet can shop online, access the information available, but the people we are concerned about don’t have that access.
“Initially we did a leaflet, but it’s not appropriate to go around leafletting at the moment.
“One of the things we will be doing is boosting our profile on social media, telling people the response from the Town Council, and making sure people are generally aware of it.”
Free impartial advice, support with food, or to discuss concerns about housing, you can contact CHAT on 01884 255606 from 9.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays.
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