The City Council’s community response team is currently distributing more than 2,000 support packages to Manchester homes EVERY DAY – but more supplies will be needed to meet demand.
A significant number of households are struggling to put food on the table during the lockdown, which means the emergency response to distribute food is under increased pressure to deliver enough supplies to those that need it.
Businesses who often buy stock in large quantities are being asked if they are able to spare food and other supplies to support the effort.
Teams of Council staff, volunteers and voluntary organisations are working around the clock to keep vulnerable people fed, but there are some things that businesses may be able to help with:
- Any non-perishable food – in particular UHT milk
- Cans of food – of any type
- Logistic and delivery support – ideally with refrigerated vans that we can use to make deliveries
- If not refrigerated vans then cool boxes or other cold storage
- Carrier bags (can be branded)
If the answer is yes to any of these then please email food.response@manchester.gov.uk
Individuals can continue to give smaller food donations to collection points at their local supermarkets.
If businesses are able to offer any other form of support, or have any spare or surplus PPE equipment, please email: business@manchester.gov.uk
It’s important that levels of PPE are kept up for use in the community.
Do you have any stocks of the following items that you could donate or offer at a reasonable price?
- gowns
- gloves
- masks
- goggles
- hand sanitiser
- visors
As well as the specific things we need right now, the Council is interested in speaking to businesses who have any other offers of support or ideas that could help.
If so please email: business@manchester.gov.uk
Cllr Nigel Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The response from businesses and local organisations has been truly humbling and only with their help are we able to keep up with the scale of demand. Reaching 2,000 homes everyday is an incredible feat, but demand for support is going to continue and we must plan ahead to ensure we have the supplies to help those who need it most.
“Ideally we’re looking for businesses who have spare and surplus stock on a large scale as this will help us meet demand more quickly, but if you think you can help in any way, please get in touch.
“And again, a huge thank you to every single person who has pledged their help so far. Working together we will get through this, but your support has been invaluable.”
