Additional food supply hubs opened in Angus as part of the multi-agency, district-wide response to those hardest hit by the pandemic.
The development is the latest stage of the Humanitarian Aid Angus Response Team initiative and has been accompanied by a renewed plea for people to ask for help during the Covid-19 crisis.
Angus Council leader David Fairweather said: “The stay at home message still applies in Scotland.
“And even when it lifts a little, those who are ‘shielding’ will still be stuck at home for a while longer.
“While many have their own support networks in place, others do not.
“There are still more people across Angus who are facing hardship because, for whatever reason, they can’t work at the minute and money may be running out.
“I want everyone across Angus to know that help is here. No one in Angus needs to go hungry.”
Angus Health and Social Care Partnership Integration Joint Board chairwoman, Arbroath councillor Lois Speed said: “The HAART is a team effort with Angus Council, Voluntary Action Angus (VAA), Angus Alive and other key third sector organisations who are all playing a crucial role in providing this confidential service.
“I really want to appeal to people not to be too proud to reach out for help.
“These are extraordinarily difficult times and anyone can access the services on offer from the HAART.
“The team answering the phones are used to supporting people through difficulties, and the service is confidential, not means tested and non-judgmental.”
Arbroath East and Lunan Independent Ms Speed added: “We all need a helping hand now and again, and that hand is being offered out to anyone who needs it. It’s just one phone call away.”
VAA chief executive Gary Malone said: “We have over 1,200 volunteers who are building up really strong relationships with the people they are supporting.
“Communities are really coming together and supporting themselves, so self-isolating does not mean that people should be alone. We are here to help.”
The multi-faceted HAART is also a gateway to other council services such as financial and welfare advice.
