On Wednesday 1st April we changed our service at EFFB to doorstep delivery only. This temporary measure is so we can continue to provide emergency food to people in financial crisis, in as safe a way as possible.
Although our three distribution centres in Epping, Loughton and Debden will be closed, people can still be supported by our referral partners across the district. We’re deeply committed to helping everyone who has no other means of putting food on the table, and we’re glad to support them at this time.
Our referral partners will email a referral to us, and we’ll arrange delivery of emergency food and essential toiletries to the clients doorstep.
WHY ARE WE SWITCHING TO HOME DELIVERY ONLY?
- Many people referred to us in financial crisis are unable to get to us at this time of self isolation or social distancing. They may be disabled or have mobility issues. We want to protect them and enable them to stay safe in their homes while being able to access emergency food.
- We support many families with young children. We want to make accessing EFFB more logistically possible for them through home delivery, especially as their children will be at home.
- We also want to protect our volunteers, staff and people in crisis: minimising contact and enabling people to physical distance as much as possible while still getting the crisis help they need.
OTHER SOURCES OF CRISIS SUPPORT FOR LOCAL PEOPLE
It’s not right at any time that people are forced to use a foodbank to get the basic essentials they need because of being unable to afford it. Now more than ever, the Trussell Trust are calling on the government to increase the vital support they can offer, to ensure all households have sufficient money for food.
We are standing with the Trussell Trust and other foodbanks in the network, calling on the government to urgently reduce the five week wait for Universal Credit payment and making Advance Payments into grants not loans.
In the meantime:
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FREE SCHOOL MEALS REPLACEMENT
We understand that local families whose children are eligible for Free School Meals will be contacted by text or email with supermarket vouchers that they can redeem online or in store. Eligible families could contact their school or visit Essex Country Council website if they haven’t yet received anything.
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ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL’S WELFARE SERVICE
There many people in the Epping Forest District who are able to afford food but cannot access it due to there not being food in the shops or because they are self-isolating. Whilst EFFB only provide food to those in financial crisis, there is help available from Essex County Council for those who cannot access food, they can access support here or by calling 0300 303 9988.
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].
A HUGE THANK YOU
We’re incredibly thankful for everyone who has given generously to help people in our community in crisis recently by supporting EFFB. Thank you so much.
If you’d like to give help – or more help – please consider donating either money or food and you’ll be helping provide for local people in greatest need.
With blessings to you.
Heather Scholer
Project Manager