Pompey in the Community receives share of £287k Defra funding to feed Portsmouth people

Pompey in the Community is one of five food aid charities in the south east to receive a share of £287,000 from Defra to help those struggling to get food as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

Volunteers for the charity - including Portsmouth FC staff and first team players - have been working with Portsmouth Hive to deliver food parcels across the city to support people who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to feed themselves through the coronavirus pandemic.

The group was delighted to receive £72,916.67 - which has already been spent towards providing more food and some extra treats they could now afford.

Clare Martin, chief executive, said: ‘Pompey in the Community were working with The Hive throughout lockdown providing food parcels for everyone in Portsmouth who needed support.

‘The funding from Defra enabled us not only to provide the service, but to ensure that everyone received a parcel that put a smile on their face.’

She added: ‘We were chuffed to bits because it meant we could carry on doing what we were doing and not have to scrimp.’

Since the fund was launched in May, 65 charities across England have been awarded more than £3.5m, providing millions of meals to those in need.

The grants are designed to provide immediate support to charities helping to feed those suffering from the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak, including the elderly, those who have left home due to domestic abuse, or those who are struggling financially.

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth's Quattro Foods has spent lockdown donating food to those in need

Food Minister Victoria Prentis said: ‘Food charities across the south east are working around the clock to get food supplies to the most vulnerable.

‘This money has been used to get ingredients and meals out to those in need – with some charities even setting up new home delivery services to help those who cannot leave their homes.

‘We’re committed to doing all we can to support these charities at this challenging time.’

Also awarded in this round of funding was £80,000 to Brighton and Hove Food Partnership, a share of £65,000 to two Kent charities and, with Hastings Community Trust receiving £70,000.

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