Northamptonshire food banks and charities' funding boost from county council

Small charities and food banks across Northamptonshire can apply for an emergency cash injection from two major food projects that have benefitted from a grant boost.

Northamptonshire County Council has awarded two grants to the Northampton Hope Centre, and the Daylight Centre in Wellingborough, to support charities in the west and north of the county.

Food banks and small charities can apply to the Local Authority Emergency Assistance Grant for Food and Essential Supplies funded through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

A spokesman said: "Northamptonshire County Council particularly welcomes applications from groups showing collaborative working, those working together to support specific local communities, minority groups and those most in need or at risk.

"It is very simple and quick to apply. Charities and groups will need to explain what they intend to spend the money on and how that will benefit vulnerable people in their area."

Projects may include those that directly help vulnerable people affected by the effects of Covid-19, to provide access to food and other essentials as well as advice and information to people needing to access benefits.

Grants will be targeting projects that provide targeted support in areas of greatest need and deprivation, including rural areas including food banks, food clubs, cooking clubs, food-related advice groups, soup kitchens.

Projects providing household essentials such as washing up liquid and washing powder, pet food, special dietary requirements, hygiene products and toiletries, food shopping and delivery will also be eligible.

Applications are being welcomed to help cover the cost of providing food, essential supplies and advice as a result of responding to Covid-19.

This includes the additional running costs of providing this help and support such as the extra costs of recruiting, training and supporting volunteers, increased costs of phone calls, rent, gas and electricity or other costs relating to a new site where people can more easily access community support and services.

To apply send an email, including 'DEFRA grant' in the subject line, to [email protected] for the north of the county (Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, East Northants) or [email protected] for the west of the county (Northampton, Daventry and South Northants).

For further information from DEFRA click here.

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