Leeds United have linked-up with His Church (HIS) as part of a major new initiative to support NHS workers and vulnerable people who have been heavily  impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative has been entitled ‘In It Together’ and will not only help to tackle the shortage we have seen in food and supplies but will also create hampers to be given out to NHS staff who are working on the frontline every day to protect people suffering in our communities.

The partnership with the Leeds United Foundation means that deliveries of food will be made to Elland Road and from there our staff will be able to work with Leeds City Council as part of the emergency food response plan currently operating across the city, where local communities can access essential items they are unable to afford or even find at the moment.

The first lorryload of supplies arrived at the stadium on Tuesday afternoon with coaches and staff on hand to sort the parcels into several vehicles ready for distribution. The food packages where then delivered, through a contact-free method in line with government guidelines, to local hospitals and the South and East ‘Early Help Hubs’ that are working with other foodbanks and vulnerable families during this period.

HIS is a charity that has been providing help to foodbanks across the country for the past 13 years and due to the coronavirus outbreak, the organisation has had to increase the amount of stock it supplies fourfold, with demand at an all-time high.

Their warehouse, which is based in Lincolnshire, is 50,000 square foot and stocked with freezers, fridges and shelving to store product. Before the crisis they were distributing just over 50,000 meals a week across the UK and in response to the overwhelming demand they are now receiving, they are set to distribute around 200,000 meals a week through a network of over 15,000 charities and organisations, including Leeds United and fellow Championship side Hull City. 

Senior coordinator for His Church, Richard Humphrey, said: “We have never known demand like it. We have staff who are living in lock-down at our warehouse to continue getting food out to people who need it at this desperate time.

“At a time when many are unable to work and are facing financial problems, as well as being scared for their health, we want to show how different businesses can work together for the greater good of those who are unable to buy the fundamentals – soap, food and over the counter medicines.

“In It Together gives companies an opportunity to give back to communities all over Britain so volunteers and workers can get the provisions where they are most needed. These are stressful times for all of us but an eagerness to help others is one of the few good things to come out of this crisis. “

Michael Kinsey, Operations Executive at the Leeds United Foundation, added: “Leeds City Council have set-up a really well coordinated operation to support those who are in need throughout the city and we knew it was important that we played out part in helping to support vulnerable people and families who have been heavily impacted by COVID-19.

“We have a longstanding relationship with His Church and the operation they run is fantastic, the amount of people they are able to support is outstanding and we want to ensure that this initiative is going to help people in the long term. It won’t just be food packages, but we will look at supplying emergency care parcels as well to help with other essential items such as medicine, toilet roll, nappies, washing powder and so much more.

“By working together, we are able to help so many more people who really need it.”