Coronavirus: Chichester MP calls for donations for foodbanks

After Chichester’s foodbank raised concerns about its food supply, Gillian made immediate enquiries to supermarkets across the area.

At present, there are donating bins in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Tesco and Co-op supermarkets.

The MP has asked if these can be expanded and if others can do the same, as well as what further support can be offered through local schemes.

Gillian said: “The foodbanks are a brilliant safety net to our most vulnerable families. “We are doing what we can to increase the food coming in to support their efforts. If you are shopping please buy an extra tin or two. Together we can make a difference.”

During the coronavirus lockdown, the MP said schools are expected to continue to provide food for disadvantaged children through the free school meals programme through their in-house catering team, a local authority catering service or a private catering provider. The government is currently working on alternatives where schools or providers are closed and developing a national approach to providing support through supermarket and shop vouchers.

Gillian added: “The Department for Education is developing plans to support the free school meals programme throughout this outbreak and we will be publishing detailed plans soon.

“During these exceptional times, we need our community and generosity to get through it.”

Currently, the foodbank has an urgent need for the following items: UHT milk, tinned vegetables and instant mash and tinned potatoes, tinned meat, tinned tomatoes, tinned rice pudding/custard, cleaning products and toilet rolls.

The best way for people to drop off is either through supermarket baskets or at St John’s Hall, St John’s Street, Chichester, PO19 1UR, just drop it off in the porch on Monday 9-4pm; Wednesday 9-12pm orThursday 9-12pm.

Equally, you can donate at, chichesterdistrict.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/

l In response to the tougher Government measures telling people to stay at home, Gillian said: “So far we have seen this crisis bring out the best in us, but some people are risking the safety of others by failing to act on medical advice.

“The advice is clear, stay at home.

“If, and when, you do have to leave home socially distance yourself as much as possible.

“Many people have written in to express their concern that people are heading to the area to stay in their second homes or holiday destinations.

“Again the Government has been clear that people should remain at their primary residence and not travel unless absolutely necessary.

“I understand why people would rather isolate here in West Sussex, but, we are all making sacrifices as a country, to protect one another and most importantly, support the NHS.

“Once this virus has passed I know our communities will be closer, and as a country, we will be stronger.

“Thank you to everyone doing their part by staying home, volunteering in our community or key workers working on the front-line.”