How 'Team Chesterfield' is feeding hundreds of vulnerable people amid coronavirus crisis

It is a principle which has guided them ever since the idea of a community foodbank for the town during lockdown was first thought of by two seven-year-old girls.

And over the last six weeks, as the coronavirus crisis rapidly tightened its grip on the country, they have rolled up their sleeves and delivered more than 2,000 parcels to those in need across Chesterfield.

Without any Government grants or support, the team of mums and dads – Kelly Hall, Michelle Vickers, Chelle Whiteley, Nicola Finch and Shaun Taylor – have set up a hub in the community to identify people in need and support them.

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Volunteer Michelle Vickers said: “Two little girls, Gracie and Darcie, came up with the idea when they said something should be done to help feed people in need during the crisis.

“Since then it has really taken off and the community could not have been more supportive. Whatever we have said we are short of, people have provided.”

Spurred into action by her daughter, Gracie’s mum Kelly Hall quickly found a vacant building at 390 Derby Road which was perfect for the community food hut – a base to gather donations of food prior to delivery to those in need.

The project quickly snowballed into one that coordinates donations, identifies people in need and arranges essentials to be distributed to them.

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Vulnerable and isolated people, as well as children having chemotherapy and cancer patients, are referred to the hut from mental health teams, schools, social services and elsewhere.

Michelle, who is currently on maternity leave from her regular job, found out about the hut and volunteered to be a delivery driver.

“We found out Door 2 Door Taxis were delivering food parcels so we teamed up with them,” Michelle said. “We said if we help you out with food parcels, can you help us out with drivers? It would not have been possible without them and Shaun Taylor who runs it.

“For the last month we have lived and breathed it, starting early in the morning and often still going at midnight.

“We are 100 per cent donation-based and do not receive any grants.”

Their hashtag has become #teamchesterfield and dozens of people in the town have done their bit to make it a reality.

“The reaction has been amazing,” Michelle said. “Everyone has found a way to help. We provide one lady with flour and eggs and she provides us with fresh cakes.

“We are the stop gap until you get that food delivery slot or long-awaited benefits. We care. Every single person that has asked for a food parcel has received one.”

To support the Chesterfield Community Food Hut and find out more about their work, visit their Facebook page or email them at [email protected]