The University of Hull has donated food supplies to help homeless adults and young people in need in our region.
The donation comes as the BBC reported this week that supermarket supply issues and panic buying are having a negative effect on the UK’s food banks, during the current pandemic.
Foodbanks are struggling to cope with heightened demand.
As a result of advising many of its students to return home in accordance with Covid-19 guidance, the University has had food surpluses that it has been pleased to donate.
Food provided by the University so far includes fresh milk and bread, sandwiches and sandwich fillings.
Mark Mullaney, Assistant Director of Estates and Facilities at the University, said: “Over the weekend we donated fresh milk and more than 240 paninis to Humbercare and their accommodation-based support service for the homeless on Princes Avenue in Hull. We are currently working through our remaining food stocks and anticipate that we will be able to offer other supplies to other organisations helping those in need. We are also working towards supporting the NHS by donating ingredients that can be used for hospitals meals as well as confectionary, crisps, and drinks.
“At the University, we are keen to pull together with the local community to help everyone get through this difficult time. We are extremely pleased that a local hostel that provides shelter and emergency accommodation to homeless people, Humbercare, were able to make use of the food we could offer them.”
Humbercare Chief Executive, Richard McKinnon, said: “Firstly can I thank Hull University. We are extremely grateful for donations at any time of the year, but particularly so in these tough times when some supplies such as bread and milk and the availability to be able to buy in bulk are hard to come by. It’s inspiring to see how communities, groups and organisations have come together in order to support those people less fortunate and we hope to use these examples and opportunities as a spring board for future collaborative working.”
Humbercare provides a range of services to adults and young people. These include: rehabilitation and resettlement, mentoring, peer-mentoring and volunteer befriending services, advice, information and guidance, education, employment and training, housing related support, client involvement, supported lodgings services, and integration into the wider community.