The Red Cross and Bradford food bank have delivered 14,000 meals in three weeks

The humanitarian organisation has been working with food banks in the region to help deliver emergency supplies to people who cannot get out.

Bradford central food bank, run by charity the Trussell Trust, has seen three times the number of people use the service as before the epidemic.

The staff and volunteers are offering a delivery-only service and in the three weeks since the start of lockdown has provided 14,000 meals to 1,563 people in Bradford.

Manager Josie Barlow said it has been necessary to move to another building to cope with the large volumes coming in and out of the centre.

She said because of large donations from supermarkets, restaurants and cafeterias, the food bank is able to provide lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, however, donations from members of the public have dropped off as people have struggled to get to the supermarket.

Ms Barlow said: “We used to cook a meal and people would come in and have a chat, and we’d be able to help signpost them to services that might help them. But that’s something we can’t do very easily at the moment.

“People are pretty desperate. There’s a link between low incomes and health problems because those who are ill often have to give up work and those who don’t earn very much can struggle to eat healthily and look after themselves.”

Before the crisis, 29 per cent of children lived below the poverty line. That figure is likely to be much higher now as many people have lost their jobs due to the epidemic.

The food bank needs items like tea and coffee, UHT milk and juice, and other items like cuppa soup and tinned vegetables.

Elizabeth Bell, who lives near Hebden Bridge, is the president of the Red Cross for West Yorkshire, an honorary role bestowed to volunteers who contribute a lot to the charity.

As part of her role as a community reserve volunteer, a position that anyone from any walk of life can fill, she has been distributing food parcels to those who need them.

“People have been so grateful. Some have been in quite vulnerable circumstances and couldn’t say thank you enough. It’s very heartwarming.

“Another touching aspect has been pets. We’ve been delivering lots of pet food.”

She also said items for babies like nappies were gratefully received.

Ms Bell has volunteered for the Red Cross since 2017 when she wanted to do something to help the Syrian crisis.

From then until the start of the coronavirus epidemic, she has raised £11,000 for the charity by playing the piano in art galleries, cafes and stately homes.

“It’s so satisfying raising money like that,” she explained, and added that there was always an opportunity for other musicians to raise money the same way.

Richard Crow, acting operations manager for crisis response for the British Red Cross in Yorkshire and the North East of England, said: “British Red Cross volunteers are working in partnership with the food bank to deliver food, toiletries and nappies to people who are self-isolating in their homes.

“Our regular volunteers and new community reserve volunteers are embedded in communities across West Yorkshire and the UK and are working alongside charities and other organisations to support the most vulnerable people in need of food, medicine, welfare checks and cash.”

“The outpouring of kindness from people in West Yorkshire who have been supporting those in the greatest need has been incredible and we thank each and every one of them. You can donate to the British Red Cross or sign up as a community reserve volunteer at www.redcross.org.uk.”

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