Published Date: May 11th, 2020
In the last six weeks, Levenmouth Community Assistance Hub has distributed food parcels to more than 1700 local households.
Fife Voluntary Action (FVA), The People’s Pantry, Levenmouth Foodbank, Levenmouth Together and Fife Council have joined forces forming the Levenmouth Community Assistance Hub in direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dave Paterson, Levenmouth Community Manager confirmed: “Since 24 March, over 1700 households in our area have received food parcels from the Levenmouth Community Assistance Hub. This would not have been achieved without the amazing joint efforts of the volunteers, along with the ongoing support of Fareshare, Stuarts the Bakers, Brag Enterprise, Community Trade Hub and Fife Council including the janitorial team, all of whom are providing staff and vehicles to aid the collection, packing and distribution of food parcels.
“The Council distributed personal protective equipment and cleaning materials to all volunteers and staff at the forefront of the local response.
“The Centre Leven, Buckhaven and Methil Community Centres, Sandybrae Centre and the Sailors Rest have all given some of their annual income to help support this local response. Cash donations from the Leven Rotary along with several anonymous donations will further help the Levenmouth Community Assistance Hub continue the area wide response for several weeks.
“The support doesn’t end there; local businesses and support groups, although closed, are also making a valuable contribution to the local response. Mary Parry of Mybus, James Torrance and his team at Agenda, David of Liliy’s Larder are all providing a weekly supply of nutritious healthy ready meals for the food parcels. Fresh produce such as milk, bread and eggs are being provided thanks to the assistance of Lorraine and her team at Nisa Store on Commercial Road Leven.”
Cassie Marshall from Levenmouth Foodbank said: "When the Covid-19 crisis first hit us in Levenmouth, the foodbank was overwhelmed with the level of need in the community. We had to make quick response decisions into how we operated, alongside losing the majority of our volunteers due to age or health reasons, It was a very worrying time for us all. We quickly began to run out of food due to the high levels of growing demand and we were struggling to remain in operation.
"We were then very excited to be asked to partner with The Peoples' Pantry and FVA during this crisis to form the Levenmouth Community Assistance Hub. We moved in temporarily to The Centre in Leven so that we can all work together to provide food parcels for all who need them in our community. This has given a huge sense of community spirit and given us hope back that we can remain in operation during this crisis."
Cllr Ken Caldwell, Convener of Levenmouth Area Committee praised the effort saying: “It’s heartwarming to see the response from individuals, community groups, organisations and businesses across Levenmouth. In times of crisis it’s imperative we all pull together and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“Together we’ll get through this and emerge stronger on the other side.”
For the latest information on help available during this pandemic go to www.fife.gov.uk/coronavirus
