Chapel-en-le-Frith group delivers 500 food packages since lockdown

The town’s COVID-19 Mutual Aid Group began as a Facebook group where Chapel residents could find help as social distancing left some unable to get essential food and supplies.

However Morrisons later approached the group - asking them to help get their food donations to those who most needed them.

Taking referrals from High Peak Food Bank, schools, police and other institutions Chapel’s COVID-19 Mutual Aid began delivering the vital parcels to the isolated and vulnerable.

Charles Lawley, one of the group’s co-founders, told how the group aimed to increase High Peak Foodbank’s capacity to respond - rather than try to replace it.

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He said: “What was important to us was not to set up a new food bank – because Chapel has an excellent one already in High Peak Food Bank which doesn’t just

provide food but helps people address poverty issues well.

“What we wanted to do was work with them, schools, local police and other institutions to set up a referral system and ensure generosity wasn’t abused and donations went to the right places.

“A three-way conversation started between us, Morrisons and the food bank and we came up with this system.”

Charles, who told how volunteers gave up their time free time while managing full-time jobs to run the group, said anyone wanting to help should donate to High Peak Food Bank via donation baskets at Chapel Morrisons and Co-op.

Otherwise they can visit highpeakfoodbank.co.uk.

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