Council’s Christmas Meals for Needy Families May Just Have Royal Flavour

Published on: 15 Dec, 2020
Updated on: 17 Dec, 2020

The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the small charity at its Guildford base in Moorcroft community centre.

Guildford council is helping needy families across the borough with food parcels delivered over Christmas and into the New Year. Cllr Julia McShane, lead for the community, said: “Supporting our residents is our top priority and we are continuing to help those in need.

“We understand how challenging this year has been for many families and we are working with Foodwise and Mandira’s Kitchen to store and deliver their generous donations of meals from December 18 to January 4.

Cllr Julia McShane pictured by the new Community Fridge at the Park Barn Centre in January

“We’re really grateful to be working with Foodwise and Mandira’s. They are highlights of the community spirit we have seen this year from our residents and local businesses.”

And some of the Foodwise meals may just have a touch of Royal flavour. On Tuesday (December 8), the Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the small charity at its Guildford base in Moorcroft community centre, chopped vegetables and helped the chefs prepare food.

The charity, which also serves Woking, originally started by teaching how to cook inexpensive but nutritious meals and since the pandemic, started switched to preparing and delivering frozen ones.

Since late March, they have delivered 400 meals a week, a total of 30,000, to more than 300 families, greatly helped by Stoke Community Support, churches and volunteers. The Royal couple later met the volunteers and thanked them.

The borough will also be distributing vouchers from the Guildford Lions to help families over Christmas. Cllr McShane also expressed gratitude to other organisations, including Stoke Community Support, North Guildford Foodbank, Salvation Army Foodbank and others supporting people in need.

She added: “Our Community Wellbeing teamwork with Community Services to co-ordinate provision of food parcels for those who need them as well as packages of pre-loved items from our Thrive at the Hive non-profit community project.

“Details can be found on their Facebook and Instagram pages. If you are worried about how you will feed your children during the holidays, please get in touch by calling 01483 444150 or emailing Community.Wellbeing@guildford.gov.uk”

Surrey County Council recently completed a form by Marcus Rashford MBE to gather all information on what services local authorities are offering to alleviate hunger over the Christmas period.

Throughout the pandemic, Guildford council have been helping residents with food parcels and picking up their prescriptions. The Community Helpline is 01483 444400, available for anyone who needs help with food parcels, picking up prescriptions or just somebody to talk to. The helpline will be closed on Thursday 24, Friday 25, Monday 28, and Friday, January 1.

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