Somerset County Council has issued a plea for families in need of urgent food supplies to contact the Coronavirus helpline and confirmed it is stepping up its efforts to provide more school holiday support with a £125,000 scheme.
At the same time, the council continues to lobby government for further funding. The council reports, “Currently the council works alongside community organisations and businesses to provide much needed meals and food for families most at need.
“But families who are struggling can contact the Coronavirus helpline, run by all councils in Somerset, to ask for support. That number is: 0300 790 6275
“And with demand likely to increase ahead of school holidays, Christmas and throughout the winter, Somerset County Council is spending a further £125,000 to provide crucial meals and funding across the county.
“This will see school caterers expected to produce 26,000 meals by Christmas, and partners Fareshare hoping to bring 140 tonnes of food to supplement Somerset’s brilliant community groups and food banks.”
“I am so glad we have had the foresight to prepare for the really significant challenge to come this winter and that is where are efforts will continue to be made,” said leader of Somerset County Council, cllr David Fothergill.
“We have a strong and sustainable plan in place that will help many thousands of children get the food they need, when they need it. I am determined all Coronavirus food support including distribution is around £500,000.”
“We are already lobbying government to increase this level of funding. It is an issue that has been raised and I am sure government are looking closely at helping counties like our own,” said cllr Fothergill.
