Parents in receipt of universal credit, free school meal vouchers, of children with Education Health & Care Plans, or facing financial hardship can now call the Together We Can helpline on 0300 123 7052 to request a food parcel.

They will either be available to collect or delivered by volunteers, and every effort will be made to cater for special dietary requirements.

The contents of food parcels will be in line with the School Food Standards Guidance and include baking potatoes, baked beans, vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese and other food items.

Over the weekend extra staff have been taking calls to the council’s helpline.

Cllr Drew Mellor, leader of the council, said, “Local councils are the ones best placed to support families that find themselves struggling with food poverty in these difficult times. We’ve spent the last few days ensuring that our already established networks are stepped up, mobilising the extra colleagues we need to prepare the food parcels, co-ordinate distribution and staff our Together We Can helpline in readiness for additional calls. I am extremely proud of everybody’s efforts. We will do all we can to ensure that no child who needs food over the half term will go without, and would invite any family in receipt of free school meals or universal credit to get in touch. We have food parcels ready to go and will be distributing these across the area throughout the week.”

Those wishing to help can sign up to volunteer at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdb1TOpDFbRIBSuB9kiuy-drGDSc46TJn9MtaLQMAU6Hkvg9A/viewform?gxids=7628 or make food bank donations at their local library.