Over £38,000 will be given to the Epsom and Ewell Foodbank this week to support their work ensuring that vulnerable children in the borough don’t go hungry in the coming months.
Last night, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Strategy & Resources Committee agreed to transfer the funding to the Foodbank which came in the form of a Government Emergency Assistance Grant for Food and Essential supplies.
Councillor Eber Kington, Chairman of the Strategy & Resources Committee, said:
“The Epsom and Ewell Foodbank has done a remarkable job in supporting individuals and families affected financially by the pandemic, and I am very pleased to be able to release this funding to them.
“Since the start of this pandemic, our Council has worked hard to support residents throughout the borough. We are maintaining that focus and determination now, especially as we are seeing coronavirus infections on the increase in the borough.”
During the meeting, the Committee also agreed to provide grants of £5,000 each to Age Concern Epsom and Ewell and to Citizens Advice. These are to support their ongoing work in the coronavirus pandemic, preparation for winter pressures and the EU Transition after Brexit.
The Council are also making preparations to use their own kitchens to provide healthy packed lunches, if required, before schools restart.
All enquiries about support for free school meals during half term can be made to 0300 200 1008.
Notes:
In June 2020 the Prime Minister announced a grant of £63 million for local authorities in England to help those who are struggling to afford food and other essentials. This is known as the Local Authority Emergency Assistance Grant for Food and Essential Supplies.
Surrey County Council has been granted an allocation of £788,015.67 on the basis of population, weighted by a proxy measure of need, the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) for each authority area. Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has been provided with a proportion of this funding totalling £38,598.65.
