Vulnerable residents who are being ‘shielded’ from Coronavirus will have an extra treat in their food parcels this week – a fairtrade Easter egg.
Southwark Council is now able to make 250 deliveries every day across the borough. So far, 152 food boxes have been sent to those who are elderly and at-risk, with another 50 boxes passed onto other organisations who are helping with distribution including the borough’s food banks and charities such as Pembroke House, Community Southwark, Age UK and the network of tenant and resident associations.
The chocolate eggs were provided at below cost price by Divine Chocolate, a local fairtrade company that is owned by farmers from developing countries. It is one of the companies based in Southwark that the council is helping with business support during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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.”