Council delivers Easter treats to hundreds of vulnerable residents

8 April 2020

The council is delivering food to hundreds of vulnerable people and those in greatest need who are self-isolating or living in sheltered accommodation across the borough. And this week they will receive an extra little treat. Alongside the essentials, the food parcels this week will have a Fairtrade chocolate egg included.

We have already delivered 152 food boxes directly to residents and passed a further 50 to other organisations to support their deliveries.  From this week the council has the capacity to make 250 deliveries per day. The council is working with organisations across the voluntary and charity sector on this, including the foodbanks, Community Southwark, Pembroke House, Age UK, tenant and resident associations among others. Weekly deliveries will continue for as long as they are needed, alongside the Government’s deliveries to those who need to be shielded.

Councillor Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council, said: “As well as the extraordinary effort that all council frontline services, and the voluntary and charity sector, are making to vulnerable residents with essentials and vital support, it’s really important to recognise that we can still do little things which can make people smile, brighten their day or uplift them in such difficult times. We hope this will give residents some cheer while they are missing their families and friends at this time of year."

The Easter eggs were offered to the council at below cost price by Divine Chocolate, a local Fairtrade company, which the council is supporting during difficult times for local businesses. Southwark Council is a Fairtrade borough and supports Divine, which is owned by developing world farmers, and gets a fair price and working conditions for workers throughout the supply chain.

The council will be offering support alongside the food parcels and reaching out to residents if they need more help.

Page last updated: 09 April 2020