The combined efforts from the Dundee City Council, third sector partners and Scottish Government’s initiatives have resulted in a total number of 941,831 meals, as of June 19, for vulnerable people in the city.

The citywide response to the health emergency has included the equivalent of 571,723 meals supported by the council, through the direct delivery of food or provision of a school meals payment.

Councillor Lynne Short, equalities, fairness & older people spokesperson for Dundee City Council, thanked volunteers and staff members for their continued work in feeding those most in need during the Coronavirus pandemic in Dundee.

Councillor Short said: “It is fantastic that the city has mobilised so quickly and provided such an impressive amount of meals to some of the most vulnerable people in Dundee. A health emergency like the coronavirus pandemic has presented real challenges for maintaining equalities and fairness across the city.

“But the hard work of volunteers and staff across the city has made a massive contribution to provide shielding individuals, children and the vulnerable with access to food and medicine throughout.”

Food schemes have included provision through the Third Sector Food Insecurity Network, lunches for young people through Dundee Bairns and community support centres and the provision of free school meals payments.

In addition, food boxes have been directly delivered to people who are shielding if they have no access to direct provision.

Councillor Short added: “The introduction of the Tayside Cares helpline has connected individuals with the sources to provide them with this lifeline support. All in, with over 940,000 meals provided to the community already and commitments to continue this over the summer, the city-wide efforts will ensure no one is forgotten about.”

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.