Charity delivers over 250 meals to families in need across Portsmouth

To mark this season of giving, charity the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) is delivering food boxes to families across the country. The charity has delivered 21 food boxes to families facing hardship in Portsmouth, equivalent to 252 meals.

With one in seven people in the UK going hungry because they can’t afford food costs, the charity is stepping in to help struggling families. The RRT has partnered with St Pauls Catholics Primary School, The Acorn Community Centre, Growing Places and The Munch Community Pantry to identify and reach vulnerable families in Portsmouth to help lift spirits and bring joy during the holiday season.

The Holiday Food Boxes delivered by the RRT in Portsmouth have been curated with care and compassion by the charity’s volunteers and contain a wide selection of non-perishable goods, such as pasta and rice and cereal bars, alongside special treats including Christmas Pudding, Custard and Candy Canes.

The RRT is delivering the Holiday Food Boxes at 19 locations across the UK in a bid to reach as many vulnerable families as possible during the holiday season. First launched in 2019, the RRT Food Boxes provide immediate relief when it is needed most and are used by the charity to help support people in crisis. The Holiday Food Box initiative follows the charity’s success in delivering over 2 million meals to Ukrainians impacted by the war.

The Rapid Relief Team is made up volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church and is dedicated to putting compassion into action. The charity offers practical support to charities, emergency services and other organisations supporting those in need across the UK and the world.

Richard Luker, RRT Volunteer, said:

“We know that many are feeling the effects of the rising cost of living, making it difficult for some families to put food on the table this holiday season. This is why the RRT has stepped in to put compassion into action and help those who are struggling in Portsmouth.

“It has been inspiring to see our volunteers spreading holiday cheer and helping those individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. Our Holiday Food Boxes have been carefully assembled by our volunteers and we are glad that we have been able to support over 20 families in Portsmouth.”

Recipients of the food box at Growing places said:

“This has helped us out so much with out Christmas food shop, it’s amazing.”

“I’m really grateful for the box, it’s made a big difference to help feed the children.”

“Thank you for thinking of us, food shopping is getting more and more expensive, this is a big help for us.”

St Pauls Primary School Representative, said:

“I would like to thank you and The Rapid Relief Team for your huge support for our families over the past year, in what has been a very challenging time for many.

“The many food boxes you have provided alongside the red tent event and breakfast bars has made great difference to our families. I would like to wish you and your team a happy and peaceful Christmas.”