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<p>The Government has been and remains in close contact with representatives across
the food supply chain and civil society to ensure that vulnerable groups have access
to the food and products that they need.</p><p> </p><p>We initially estimated that
1.5 million people would fall into the clinically extremely vulnerable group. We have
put in place measures to ensure that those identified by the NHS as being extremely
clinically vulnerable and who are without a support network of friends and family
receive basic food and essential supplies when requested via the online NHS webportal
or via the phone. Packages of essential supplies are being delivered across England
within seven days of a request for support, as soon as their status as a shielded
person is verified, and supermarkets are putting these customers at the front of the
queue for online delivery slots.</p><p> </p><p>Over 750,000 people across England
signed up as NHS Volunteer Responders via the mobile app GoodSam. Over 600,000 volunteers
have been verified as NHS Volunteer Responders via the Good Sam platform, and can
now receive tasks to help those in their communities. These volunteers will help vulnerable
people in England who are at most risk from coronavirus to stay well, including through
shopping for vulnerable people for food and essential supplies.</p><p> </p><p>We are
working quickly to support people who do not fall into the category of being clinically
vulnerable, but still need help getting essential food supplies. Government is working
with industry, charities, other government departments and Devolved Administrations
to ensure whatever support is needed is delivered in a coordinated and consistent
manner. We welcome measures that supermarkets have put in place to support the elderly
and other vulnerable groups.</p><p> </p><p>We have been working closely with the third
sector to understand the impacts the outbreak has had on food aid organisations, and
how best to ensure that those who are financially vulnerable still have access to
essential supplies. Food redistribution organisations across England are benefiting
from £3.25 million of government funding to help them cut food waste and redistribute
up to 14,000 tonnes of surplus stock.</p>
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