Emergency food provided for residents of Hastings estate amid coronavirus pandemic

Due to concerns around the complexity of operating within the context of coronavirus (Covid-19), a foodbank previously operating with the Broomgrove Community Centre closed in March.

Recognising the ongoing need for food support in the area, Pat Weaver, group support worker at Hastings Voluntary Action, Gill Hazell, chairman of the Broomgrove Residents Association, and Jackie Gaunt, project manager Oasis community project-East Hastings, set up a collaboration to address the issue.

The new team was supported by In2Play and Dom’s Food Mission and within 14 days the provision was up and running.

The service opened last Tuesday (April 14), providing food for 121 people including children and many over 65s who were unable to travel to supermarkets.

Jacqui Le Put, In2Play project co-ordinator, said: “We agreed the best way to launch effectively and safely was to use an already trialled and tested method operated by Dom’s Food Mission. Dom fully endorsed us adopting his Covid-19 structure.

“We meticulously planned the process and established a transparent and audited way of working that everybody could work with.”

Dom Warren, CEO of Dom’s Food Mission, said: “For us here at Dom’s Food Mission we pride ourselves on helping as many people eat as we can and for always doing our best to improve yesterday’s purpose.

“But having seen the wonderful group of people within the Broomgrove scene and the heart that’s in the volunteers my charity was instantly on board to help as much as we can.”

Pat Weaver, from Hastings Voluntary Action, said: “The service can now roll out to more residents. This is a doorstep community initiative, the Broomgrove estate is the priority, however no one will go away empty-handed if there is enough food, and hopefully more people from the Broomgrove estate can register, bring a bag and take advantage of this much-needed provision.”

The scheme is open to all Broomgrove residents who register first by calling the number on the Broomgrove Community Centre noticeboard.

All Hastings residents who need support, or their friends, family or carers, can contact Hastings Borough Council on a special helpline at 01424 451019, open 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.30pm Friday.

Support is also available from HEART (Hastings Community Response Team).

Visit the Hastings Heart website to ask for help with shopping, collecting medications, posting mail, dog walking or other errands and support at www.hastingsheart.com.

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