As part of the ‘Stay Safe. Stay Fit. Stay Connected.’ project, Derby County and Community Trust have been supporting the city’s food banks since the start of the pandemic.
The Pride Park food hub, which was opened in response to the growing demand on Derby’s food network, helped contribute towards over 130,000 items of food which were distributed across the city between April and September.
There is now a permanent donation box for fans and the public who wish to donate dry or tinned goods at the DCFCMegastore at Pride Park Stadium.
As part of the #EndChildFoodPoverty campaign spearheaded by Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford MBE, the club are continuing to support Derby City Council and the food network in any way possible to cater for many of the 9,000 pupils in the city who are entitled to free school meals.
Derby City Council have pledged to support these pupils across the October and Christmas holidays, and set up a dedicated helpline for those in need.
The Community Hub is contactable on 01332 640000 (option 5) and can provide food relief packages or meals.
It will also allow the Council to recognise the amount of support which is required to allow organisations to continue to work together and ensure relief is in place for the longer Christmas break.
Cllr Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We absolutely agree that no child should go to sleep hungry. Last week the Council asked Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, with whom we have been working very closely during the COVID-19 crisis, to scope the implications of them being able to provide food for children entitled to Free School Meals both over half term and Christmas. They have taken up this challenge and we are urgently pursuing this together.”
Derby County Football Club is wholeheartedly committed to supporting the city’s food banks and recognises the great efforts many local businesses are going to support children and families in need this half term.
If you are a local business in need of a distribution point or certain stock which we may be able to collect through our donations, please contact Derby County Community Trust on community@dcct.co.uk.