COUCILLORS have launched a scheme to tackle child food poverty in Sandbach during the lockdown.

David Jack and Sandra Broad want to ensure that no "child in the town will go hungry" as the pandemic makes life tougher.

They plan to provide packed lunches and quick lunch or snack meals to families whose household budgets offer them little room for manoeuvre.

Cllr Jack says he has secured a commercial kitchen to start up the initiative, but needs food donations, more volunteers and, if possible, cash donations from local businesses.

The Independent representative says the kitchen is the "beating heart" of the family but many are struggling to use it to provide nutritious meals after incomes have been hit.

The closure of schools has also heaped pressure on struggling families during the day with children needed to be looked after at home.

"It's an appeal to help the vulnerable people out there in Sandbach as this lockdown is creating some serious social problems and has put a strain on household budgets," said Cllr Jack.

"The first thing that goes out of the window is snacks and filling meals which is not acceptable in this day and age."

The councillors are signposting people to Cheshire East Council's food voucher scheme, but believe it doesn't go far enough to alleviate the problems.

"I've secured a kitchen and a number of volunteers, and am looking for more who can put meals together or collect shopping items to make the meal packs up," added the councillor.

"I'm reaching out to those who do feel vulnerable to contact me or other councillors at Sandbach Town Council and I will do my best to ensure that no child in this town will go hungry during this lockdown."

The councillors are urging people not to suffer in silence and come forward, in confidence, and contact David by email at [email protected] or [email protected] or messenger or phone 07584258823.

Sandra can be reached at [email protected] or through messenger and Facebook page.

Residents and members of the community who want to make donations can do so through PayPal at [email protected]

You can also apply to Cheshire East for vouchers here.