Accessing food at this time is a problem for some of our residents, and a project led by Mora Scaife from our Communities Team is working hard to try and channel food to those who it most. This ranges from those having difficulty in booking a supermarket delivery slot, to those who would normally rely on food banks, care homes, and those taking refuge from domestic violence.
I am contacting you to see if you would share a request for help across your networks. You might be familiar with a number of retailers who may be able to offer food and grocery deliveries, including essentials like milk, or surplus food. You may also know of people who would benefit as a recipient of this work.
There are many that don’t fit the Foodbank remit, or who need something to tide them over, so Community Hubs have been set up as a source of food, with volunteers to deliver supplies direct to residents in need. Mora is looking at sourcing options to keep the hubs stocked, and would welcome any thoughts on this, such as whether a campaign to promote this to businesses to donate would help, or if there are any existing good relationships with bulk suppliers that could be capitalised upon.
The team has created a list of businesses who are offering a home delivery service, including those who will deliver fruit and veg, milk etc. This ranges from large players like Millers to smaller local shops, like Millies on Bishopthorpe Road. Mora will use the list to direct those who can afford to buy food and are maybe struggling to find a supermarket delivery slot. This also helps support these local businesses during these uncertain times. The team are going keep in touch with these businesses so that we have up to date info on capacity to take on new orders. There have been a few issues raised about capacity – especially with milk at the moment with providers reaching their limit – so we were wondering if your contacts can help with flushing out any or providers with capacity?
If we can redirect those who can afford to buy food to local suppliers, this frees up our ability to support those in financial difficulty and helps support local businesses.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there is a food@york.gov.uk mailbox which is being used to manage offers of donations from groups, organisations and businesses, as well as calls from those in need, such as hostels and care homes who have already been in touch.