We've all been affected by COVID19 in some form or other, but there are some in our community who are now at breaking point:

Many of our neighbours are elderly or at higher risk from the pandemic; they simply cannot get out to the shops to get the food and supplies they need. Many families have lost jobs and income and are struggling to feed their family or pay the bills.

In mid-March, the Friends of Ripley Primary School Group and Ripley Church formed a support group, the Ripley Corona Support Network, which now has a team of over 50 volunteers who have been busy taking calls, collecting prescriptions and shopping and providing support for those who are self-isolating in and around Ripley Village.

We have now been approached by some of our lovely local businesses who would like to offer their support. From Monday 6th April, we will be offering soup and a selection of hot meals for delivery each and every day. Pinnocks' Andy and Russell and local event caterer (and supplier to Nest) Janice Caluori will be donating their time to provide over 100 meals each week to those in need. They are asking nothing in return, other than if possible, the cost of the ingredients to be covered.

To provide 100 meals per week, will cost us around £300 in fresh ingredients, packaging etc. We do not know how long this lockdown and isolation will continue, but we hope to raise enough to provide meals for a minimum of 10 weeks. If we raise more than we need, we will use this money to provide groceries and shopping to those in need.

So, if you would like to buy your neighbour a meal, and support us to provide 1000's of meals over the coming weeks, please make a donation. Equally, if you have made use of this service and feel that you have the means to donate, please pay what you can for your meal.

If you know of someone who could benefit from this service, please call 01483 905449.