SHROPSHIRE Council and Co-op Midcounties have come together to raise awareness of a free home delivery service, designed to ensure 10,000 vulnerable people across the county continue to receive essential food supplies throughout the pandemic.

Co-op Midcounties launched its free home delivery service at the start of lockdown to ensure that those unable to leave their homes, including the elderly and people with underlying health conditions, would still be able to receive essential food supplies.

The scheme has now delivered thousands of food shops, and Shropshire Council is calling on vulnerable people in the county to make the most of this service, as it recognises Co-op Midcounties as a key partner in supporting communities through the crisis.

Those who could benefit from the scheme are being asked to contact their local Co-op Midcounties food store by phone, and the in-store team will arrange for shopping to be delivered straight to their door by one of its trusted volunteers.

Co-op Midcounties has so far partnered with more than 60 local volunteering groups and over 700 volunteers close to its food stores to provide home delivery services for vulnerable people in communities.

Safe social distancing is maintained at all times, with shopping deliveries left on the doorstep.

“Supporting our communities and members is at the heart of what we do, and always will be,” said Phil Ponsonby, Chief Executive of Co-op Midcounties.

“We want to do all we can to protect those who are most vulnerable, which means helping them to continue to stay at home and stay safe.

“Our home delivery service has helped so many people across our communities so far, and we’re beyond grateful for the volunteers who continue to help us do that. We also know that there are many more people who could benefit from the scheme so, please, if we can help you, or anyone you know, get in touch with your local store now.”

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change said the Council had been pleased to be helping. The COVID-19 Helpline number is 0345 678 9028.”