NEWS COPY
Just Eat is helping the vulnerable and those who are isolated as a result of coronavirus by delivering free food parcels.
The food delivery app has joined forces with FoodCycle, a community-driven charity which normally uses donated groceries to create sit-down meals for those at risk of food poverty and loneliness.
Many of their guests have been advised to remain at home for the next 12 weeks, while some are facing financial worries brought on by a lack of job security.
With lockdown and government guidance on social distancing, the service has now been adapted to become delivery-only - so Just Eat, working with their delivery partner Stuart, has stepped in to help.
Their contact-free deliveries will support low-income families, people affected by homelessness and those experiencing physical and mental health problems.
One of those to benefit from the service is Amy, a self-employed mother-of-three who is currently in isolation due to her asthma.
She said: “I have gone from volunteering with FoodCycle to now relying on my weekly food parcels from them to help feed me and my three children.
“I am having to stay in isolation because of my chronic asthma, so I’m higher risk of contracting the virus.
"I am also unable to work as I am self-employed and run my own florist, which has meant that I don’t have any income at the moment either.
“I can’t tell you how much it means to get the weekly parcels, it is always filled with such good food, which means that I can actually give my children nutritious food and not just rubbish from the freezer.”
FoodCycle is providing people with food parcels across the UK, with Just Eat delivering to those in need in Birmingham.
The food parcels are made up of donated surplus food including groceries such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and store cupboard essentials.
Packages range in size and feed anything from individuals who are isolating alone, up to a family of four.
Andrew Kenny, UK managing director of Just Eat said: “As the UK’s leading food delivery business, we’re committed to doing our bit and supporting the vulnerable in our communities.
“With millions doing the right thing and staying at home, this service has never been more important.
“We are proud to be able to provide continued support to FoodCycle and make a difference for those who need it the most.”
It is one of the numerous measures Just Eat has put in place to support those impacted the most by the coronavirus outbreak.
The food delivery app, which works with more than 35,000 restaurants and takeaways across the UK, recently introduced discounted meals for the NHS, saving healthcare workers more than £1.5 million.
Mary McGrath, CEO FoodCycle, said: “Justin, our regional manager for Birmingham has done a fantastic job of collaborating with local charities and getting volunteers on board to switch our service from community meals to delivering food parcels.
“Our guests need us more than ever and demand is extremely high, so we are delighted that Just Eat and Stuart are able to provide their support to help FoodCycle deliver to even more vulnerable people in the area.”
David Saenz, chief operating officer at Stuart, added: “We are excited to be partnering with FoodCycle and Just Eat to help deliver meals to the most vulnerable members of the community in Birmingham.
“Being able to work together with our courier partners on such a rewarding mission is a privilege.
“At a time like this, we are thrilled to contribute to all of the efforts being made UK-wide to support each other.”
ENDS
