Following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, WF-AID worked with a number of organisations to provide support to families in need during this difficult time. We chose to work with other organisations instead of duplicating efforts so we could work together and reach more people in need. By working with Sufra Food Bank, we were able to provide food to over 1200 people.
Sufra Food Bank, which operates in North West London, has seen a 371% increase in demand for food aid compared to the same period last year as people continue to struggle financially through the coronavirus pandemic. As of October, they had already distributed 19,000 more food parcels in 2020 than the whole of the previous year.
Thanks to your donations to our Emergency Appeal, we were able to support the fantastic work of the organisation and help provide food parcels to 620 people and hot meals to 637 people who have to rely on food banks like these to get by. The recipients include the elderly, refugees, asylum seekers, people with mental health problems, homeless people, and those on low incomes who can’t otherwise afford food.
Each food parcel contained items including porridge, biscuits, milk, tea, sugar, soup, baked beans, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, tinned beans, tuna, cooking oil, fresh fruit and veg (or tinned where unavailable), bread, soap, toilet roll, and where necessary, sanitary towels, nappies, and baby milk.
As well as the food aid, the delivery drivers spend some time speaking to the recipients (socially distanced!), providing some conversation and company which is much needed in these times, especially for the elderly or those self-isolating or shielding.
