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<p>Shielded individuals can opt to receive deliveries of food and essential supplies
if they are without a support network of friends and family while self-isolating at
home.</p><p>We have been working with food retailers, delivery organisations and volunteer
groups to help support the non-shielded vulnerable, who are avoiding going to the
shops if possible. A range of options are available for those people, including asking
for an NHS Volunteer Responder to do their shopping for them – 100,000 people have
had help with community tasks like shopping from NHS responders so far. Many charities
and community organisations are also providing voluntary shop and drop services, as
are neighbours and other community volunteers. If the situation is urgent, local authorities
can also offer support and services, and we are working with them to help make sure
that they have a range of ways to help those who contact them.</p><p>We are also working
to help those having difficulty affording food. The Government has announced up to
£16 million to provide food for those who are struggling as a result of the coronavirus
crisis. The programme will provide millions of meals over the next 12 weeks and be
delivered through charities including FareShare and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action
Programme). At least 5,000 frontline charities in England will benefit, including
refuges, homeless shelters and rehabilitation services. It will cover rural areas
as well as cities, targeting those who are struggling to get food.</p>
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