Thousands of lifeline packages of food and other essentials have been delivered across Dundee in the last month.
Volunteers have been thanked for their efforts to help the most vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic as £50,000 is to be spent bulk buying food to make sure the service can continue.
The city’s food insecurity network, made up of 24 emergency providers, has made 18,000 deliveries in the last month alone, coordinated by Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action and Faith in Community Dundee.
Eric Knox, chief executive of Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action, said: “The third sector organisation that are currently delivering large quantities of food to vulnerable individuals and families are doing an outstanding job for their city.
“The majority are people who have given up their time voluntarily and as this is Volunteers Week its only right that we thank them for their tremendous effort.”
Funding managed by Dundee City Council has come from the Scottish Government, business donations, the local authority and emergency grants.
Council leader John Alexander said: “The response from volunteers and organisations across Dundee is nothing short of stunning.
“Our network is doing some fantastic work with people really going above and beyond to make sure that those who are isolated in our communities do not go hungry.
“Combined with the council’s efforts to provide payments to replace free school meals, and the work that is ongoing through our community support centres, this city is showing its caring heart and spirit of togetherness.
“The success of our delivery service for period products also highlights the efforts to make sure that nobody is left behind during the pandemic.
“There are many challenges ahead, but I am optimistic that our strength and resilience will ensure that we can continue to provide assistance to those who need it.
“This effort is showing us the best of Dundee.”
