Haywards Heath Foodbank reopening as a delivery service to support families in crisis

Haywards Heath Foodbank is reopening as a delivery service to those in crisis during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The service, which was suspended on March 24, because of the impact of the Covid-19 virus, is reopening in a new location to enable home deliveries to those who have had an electronic referral voucher from their normal agencies.

A town council spokesman said: “Haywards Heath Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council have been working closely with Haywards Heath Foodbank trustees to help them re-open and offer their much-needed services to the residents of the town.

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“This has been a complicated process, as the safety and security of the volunteers and beneficiaries is crucial. However, we are pleased to announce that the foodbank will re-open next Wednesday (April 8), offering a delivery service only.”

Haywards Heath Foodbank is reopening as a delivery serviceHaywards Heath Foodbank is reopening as a delivery service
Haywards Heath Foodbank is reopening as a delivery service

The town council said it has supported the foodbank in restoring its services by directing it to volunteers and organisations in the iown.

In addition, it will be offering assistance with the moving food around the town and surrounding villages and has made available £12,500 to help support the foodbank when necessary.

Funds have already been used to purchase 1,800 delivery boxes and the balance will be held over to fund other resources when required, it said.

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Town mayor Alastair McPherson commented: “It was a shock when the foodbank decided to close, and Haywards Heath Town Council has been delighted to assist the foodbank trustees to be up and running again by April 8.

“There has been a great deal of thought gone into how to re-provide this critical service, to ensure the safety of residents and the amazing volunteers who are going to be and delivering the food.

“The big challenge now will be sustaining the service, and to see how we can increase its deliveries if required.

“It is so important that as a town council we do everything we can to make sure we can get food to our more vulnerable and elderly residents during their crisis.

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“We must not ‘leave anyone behind’. I applaud the foodbank and it’s volunteers for all that they are doing for our community in Haywards Heath and beyond​.”

Mr McPherson encouraged residents to donate as much as they can afford at the food bank collection points, which can be found at https://haywardsheath.foodbank.org.uk.