First meals delivered to Bedfordshire’s vulnerable

On the 5th May we launched our #RunRowRide campaign and thanks to you, eight days later the first delivery of meals took place, providing vital fresh meals to families and individuals affected most by the coronavirus.

It has been fantastic to see photos and videos of people running, rowing and riding all in aid of the initiative and supporting local people across Bedfordshire. Your donations to the campaign have raised over £1200 already and have provided a lifeline for some. These meals have also contributed to the wider support that many receive from YMCA Bedfordshire.

YMCA Bedfordshire have been supporting their community through this difficult period, offering counselling, food parcels and online activity sessions. The first drop off saw 300 meals distributed across Bedford Borough directly to families’ homes and to their residential housing at The Foyer and Linden Road.

Sophie Stock from YMCA Bedfordshire said “the meals are one less meal they have to worry about and is ready and prepared. Many of our families have been struggling through this time whether it’s financially or because of physical health or mental health, and I know the support is accepted gratefully.”

The meals are prepared fresh, before being frozen for distribution by Portfolio Events. They range from Cottage Pie, Chicken Curry, Coq au Vin, Irish Stew to Mediterranean Pasta, with new meals added each week.  

Portfolio Events are supporting the project at lower than cost price, meaning every kilometre you run, row or cycle and donate helps provide a meal to the most vulnerable. Every pound raised really does have a direct impact on someone’s life.

Mat Norris from Portfolio Events said “we have a team of skilled chefs, a large food production kitchen, a logistics team, so we decided that we should start producing food for those that were in a far worse a position than we were”.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who have taking part in the challenge and donated to the cause, we are so proud to support a need on our doorstep and to see how the campaign has spread through different communities. We would also like to thank the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada for her support of the project and getting behind the campaign.

You can donate to our campaign here!

If you think there are a way you can contribute to the cause, please contact our Foundation Manager Tom Harwood – info@bluesfoundation.org.uk