FEED supports vulnerable people in crisis situations with the supply of emergency food parcels. It centres on acquiring food from 3 sources including public donation, manufacturer/company donation and perishable items purchased through financial donation. Volunteers collect the food from over 20 community donation points across East Durham. They then make up the parcels and distribute where necessary. Advocates such as health professionals and crisis/support workers identify beneficiaries.

East Durham experiences the highest levels of deprivation within County Durham, with some of the most deprived wards in the UK. 64.8% of the population of East Durham is deemed to be in the nationally deprived top 20%. There is no doubt that the current economic climate and welfare reform will lead to a significant increase in the number of individuals who would be categorised as vulnerable.

More than 2000 are expected to benefit from this project within its initial phase. We are hoping to raise sufficient funds to carry forward this project into the foreseeable future. It is anticipated that need is likely to increase in the forthcoming months due to significant changes to welfare benefits and continued levels of high unemployment.