COUNCIL Switch To Food Parcels To Make Sure Pupils Get LunchFOOD parcels will be going out to around 2,500 Inverclyde children to ensure they do not go hungry while schools are closed during the coronavirus outbreak.
Inverclyde Council has changed from operating hubs where lunches were collected each day to delivering bags full of supplies to households for pupils who would normally receive free school meals and a clothing grant.
They contain enough food to provide lunches for two weeks, replacing packed lunches which were distributed from 12 community hubs.
The bags will be taken directly to homes to ensure pupils, their parents or carers do not have to leave the house, in line with the latest health and safety rules from the authorities to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Deliveries will begin from 2pm on Friday once the hubs have closed.
The new fortnightly food bags contain things like pasta, tinned soups, tortilla wraps, cheese, baked potatoes, mayonnaise, jelly, fruit pots and yoghurts. A guide is provided with step-by-step recipes.
Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s convener of education and communities, was among around 40 volunteers, made up of staff from across the council, helping to pack the food bags in Greenock Town Hall.
He said: “Inverclyde is a compassionate and caring place, particularly in times of emergency like these, and this is a fine example of council staff, along with friends and family, volunteering to ensure our young people don’t miss out on a free lunch while the schools are closed.
“A big thank-you to all the volunteers here and throughout the council who are working so hard to help others under extremely challenging conditions.”
He added: “A tremendous amount of effort has gone into these food bags and I congratulate everyone who has been involved in pulling it all together so quickly and during such unprecedented times.
“These parcels not only provide important provisions for families across Inverclyde, the information guide is packed full of tasty recipes, cooking methods, food safety advice, and allergen details. They will help keep tummies full and minds active.”
Food bags were prepared in accordance with the latest health and safety rules set out by medical professionals and the UK and Scottish Governments. Staff kept at least two metres apart, sanitised their hands regularly and wore protective rubber gloves.
