Food packages for nearly 1,000 homes are being delivered throughout Medway to help some of the most vulnerable and at risk residents in the Towns.

Some 36,000 meals have been sent out as part of a new scheme organised by Medway Council as part of the authority's response to help people amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Council leader Alan Jarrett has revealed more than £7 million has been paid out in under a week to businesses and residents facing financial struggles due to the ongoing crisis.

It comes after the council was awarded more than £50m in government funding to run a series of support schemes to protect residents and companies.

Cllr Jarrett described the food package deliveries as a "pioneering service" which will provide meals "to the most vulnerable in our community" – those self-isolating, with long-term health conditions, the elderly and low income households

"We have identified and already been in touch with them and delivered more than 35,595 meals to local people and have ensured that 1,700 have been fed safely.

"We’ve now delivered food packages to nearly 900 households and this work continues throughout the Easter weekend."

The council says it has contacted 6,000 people identified as high risk by the NHS or who are most affected by social distancing and do not have friends or family to support them.

Food parcels include basic essential supplies, such as tinned food, vegetables and rice, as well as other general household products.

The council is working with Medway Foodbank to deliver the Coronavirus Medway Support project.

The leader added the council is working with its partners in the public and private sector – including Medway Norse, mhs Homes and voluntary groups – to ensure vital medication is taken to people.

More than 100 schools remain open across Medway for children of key workers and vulnerable youngsters.

"Every single person in Medway has been touched by the effects of this horrendous virus in some way"

Cllr Jarrett said the council is maintaining provision for schools throughout the Easter holidays.

Support for homeless people and rough sleepers in the Towns has also been stepped up with more than 35 people now taken off the streets.

Staff at Asda in Gillingham have been working with council officials getting essentials together for the homeless people housed.

Cllr Jarrett also thanked support from the British Heart Foundation for donating fridges and mhs Homes for offering temporary accommodation and removals firm Danas Ramoska for helping to move fridge freezers into the properties and also donating beds.

Several council services have either been stopped or amended so the council can cope with providing the most essential services.

But the council fielded more than 18,000 calls in the past three weeks from residents asking for advice.

Cllr Jarrett said: "We are approaching the end of the fourth week of our response to coronavirus and it certainly feels as if we are in the eye of the storm, even if there are some glimmers of hope appearing on the horizon.

"Every single person in Medway has been touched by the effects of this horrendous virus in some way; many of you may have suffered from it and I hope are recovering.

"Tragically some will have lost loved ones and my thoughts are with all of you and your families.

"We have kept all services running for as long as possible, but have had to temporarily close or stop some of those services, and we did so in line with government guidance to help people stay at home and stay safe.

"We will, of course, get these services back up and running as soon as possible, when this situation is behind us.

"I am so proud that in these times of need, everyone in Medway has come together to support our own people.

"I’d like to thank everyone who’s been working with us, but of course our greatest thanks go to our colleagues in the NHS battling to save lives.

"We’re all in this together and there’s a few things we need your help on too, especially over this Easter weekend.

"Our parks are open but please use them responsibly – remember the social distancing guidelines - walk, jog, or exercise your dog, but don’t hang around and please keep away from the play areas and skate parks.

"I would like to wish you all a peaceful Easter. Please continue to do your bit and Stay Home, Save Lives."

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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