Weekly food parcels for more than 7,000 shielding residents

More than 7,000 clinically vulnerable people in Birmingham are now receiving a weekly food parcel as part of the emergency response to the coronavirus pandemic.

There are 7,395 people on the clinically shielded list in the city who are receiving parcels, either from the city council or through national arrangements. Around half are currently being supplied by the council while the national service builds up to full capacity.

Meeting dietary needs

The first deliveries were standard food parcels, but the council is now able to cater for some dietary requirements, including diabetic, gluten-free, nut allergy, halal and vegetarian diets.

The operation involves a food hub where supplies are stored and packed, sourcing food, and distributing the parcels with the help of National Express Accessible Transport.

"A huge amount of work"

Councillor Paulette Hamilton, cabinet member for health and social care, praised everyone involved. "A huge amount of work has gone into this over the past few weeks, and continues every day, ensuring our most vulnerable citizens get the support they need," she said.

"It is a major operation involving a food hub where supplies will be stored and packed, sourcing a food supply and then distributing via colleagues at National Express Accessible Transport. Well done to all involved."

Help beyond the shielded list

People who are shielding have been advised by the NHS to stay at home at all times because they have health conditions that put them at very high risk from the virus. Many of them cannot go shopping and have nobody to do it for them.

But the council is also making sure that others who cannot get food, but are not classed as clinically vulnerable, can still get help. That includes people over 70, those self-isolating because of illness, pregnant women and people receiving support through adult social care, who can get help through The Active Wellbeing Society.

The council's emergency community response hub provides support with both emergency food supplies and social contact. It connects vulnerable people who have no help from family or friends with the support they need.

Residents who already have help from family and friends are being asked to continue to rely on it, so that the council can focus its efforts on those in greatest need.

A city pulling together

The food parcels are part of a huge effort across Birmingham to support people through the lockdown, now in its sixth week. Council staff have been redeployed to new roles, and volunteers, mutual aid groups, faith organisations, food banks and charities have stepped in across the city to deliver shopping, cook meals and check on neighbours.

For people who have been told not to leave their homes for weeks on end, a regular food delivery is more than a practical help. For many, the knock on the door is also a reminder that they have not been forgotten.

The council has thanked residents for following the rules on staying at home, and urged anyone who is struggling to get food or essential supplies to contact it for help.