The Countess of Wessex has helped pack food parcels as she continues to support volunteers looking after the most vulnerable members of society during the coronavirus pandemic. She put together emergency supplies on a visit to a foodbank earlier this week.
Sophie spent time at the Woking Foodbank’s site at Sheerwater in Surrey where she helped assemble packages for those in need. She also heard from volunteers about their ongoing work during the pandemic.
Daily jobs at the foodbank include going through donations and supplies and putting together parcels which contain non perishable and nutritious food designed to last recipients at least three days.
The foodbank is currently enforcing social distancing measures which means people can’t come in to collect supplies. The Countess heard about the way food is now delivered by volunteers to those on its list for support. Like many foodbanks across the country, it distributes supplies on a voucher basis with people referred to it for support by a wide range of health and social care professionals. Those vouchers are now being sent to foodbanks digitally to allow the distribution process to work as efficiently as possible.
The Countess of Wessex has given her support to a wide range of organisations helping people during the coronavirus outbreak. Earlier this month, Sophie packed and distributed food supplies for NHS staff at Frimley Park Hospital and also cooked food for Health Service staff when she volunteered at the kitchens of hospitality firm, Rhubard.
She has also made video calls to her patronages, speaking of her pride in the work they are doing. In a chat with Thames Valley Air Ambulance earlier in April, the Countess told them that ”when we do our Thursday clap, you are part of that as well”.
Woking Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust – can visit its website here where you will find information about how to access its services if you are in need of support as well as details of how to support your local foodbank.
