Rugby Borough Council has reached an agreement with the Rugby Foodbank to take over the operation of the food bank.

The agreement comes after the food bank had to suspend its operations due to the impact of the coronavirus on their volunteer base and the need to maintain social distancing to keep volunteers and public safe.

Rugby Foodbank have kindly donated their stock which allows the council to start distributing food with no pause in services.

The council will operate the warehousing and distribution of food packages until the food bank is able to return to normal operations.

Diana Mansell, Chair of Hope4, said: “I am sure that our supporters will be so pleased that the council have stepped in when we just could not continue. We have been getting concerned calls about the food bank closing and it is so good to have some good news to share.

“I very much hope that the public will continue to donate food items to the food bank at their usual collection point so that this service can continue.

The food bank operated its last distribution session on Wednesday and the council intends to be able to open in time for the scheduled session on Monday.

Details of how eligible residents can collect food parcels will be published at https://www.rugby.gov.uk/foodbank