The impact of coronavirus lockdown on the north-east’s vulnerable and the charities supporting them has been laid bare.
Foodbank charity Community Food Initiatives North East (Cfine) has revealed it has handed out 8,372 emergency food parcels to people in hardship since the restrictions were brought in.
Since Boris Johnson addressed the nation on March 23 to announce the lockdown measures, staff and volunteers have dispatched around 200 parcels every day.
The charity, provides healthy food for people living in disadvantaged communities and those living in poverty, is working closely with Aberdeen City Council to tackle growing demand for help during the lockdown.
But the pandemic has also forced Cfine to close its Poynernook Road base to the public to keep staff and volunteers healthy.
The delivery fleet has recently been bolstered by the addition of electric cargo bikes, funded by grants aimed at lowering emissions.
Chief executive Lisa Duthie said: “Cfine efficiently adapted to the changes, transforming the food bank into a contact-free emergency food delivery service for food-insecure individuals and families.
“The need for Cfine’s support services is greater than ever before.
“With the help of our volunteers and partners – Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust, Instant Neighbour, and 1Call Property Maintenance – we have delivered 8,372 emergency food parcels to people facing difficulty since March 23.”
Aberdeen City Council has also delivered a total of 1,128 food boxes to vulnerable and shielded people and those in poverty.
