Stoney / Calver / Curbar / Froggatt Covid-19 Support Group

Due to the unprecedented Coronavirus situation, some residents may find themselves in financial difficulties. It could be that they do not meet the criteria to enable them to get support from the Government, or for various other reasons.

In view of this, a food bank, in conjunction with Spar, will be trialed for a period of two weeks from today, Monday 27 April. The aim is to provide free parcels of basic food items to those local residents who are in financial difficulties and struggling to pay for food. If there is local need for this service, it will be extended for as long as is required.

If you or someone you know is in this situation, to receive a food parcel please contact either:

Volunteer Food bank Coordinator Sue Bettney - 07592 944247; suebettney@live.co.uk or,

Lead Volunteer Coordinator Nicola Rose - 07813 605997; nrose2862@gmail.com

This service will be strictly confidential and all volunteers involved will be asked not to disclose details of anyone taking delivery of food parcels. Please do not hesitate to ask for help - this is what the support group was established for.

If you would like to make a contribution to the food bank there is a donation box in Spar for staple items (tea, coffee, cereal, canned or dried goods, long life milk, pasta, rice etc.) to be placed in after purchase.

If you do not wish to visit Spar but want to donate, the Manager James, has arranged for debit card donations to be taken over the telephone. This means that parcels can be put together, specific to the needs of the individual or family, using food donations from the box and your debit card donation to pay for staple items. This will ensure a good mix of food. Spar has kindly agreed to also add bread and fresh vegetables when possible at no charge.

The plan is to deliver food parcels, by arrangement (abiding by social distancing criteria) between 1pm and 3pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Please be aware that once it is felt no one else is coming forward, any surplus donated food items or money, will be donated to a local food bank or the NHS.

Please could you also let as many local people as possible know about the food bank – thank you.

Nicola Rose and Sue Bettney