NEWBURY Racecourse has launched a partnership to feed the most vulnerable elderly in West Berkshire during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crises.

The racecourse has partnered with Age Concern Newbury and District along with Swift Couriers.

Age Concern Newbury and District has delivered meals on wheels in the district for more than 50 years and has developed a safe solution to upscale their operation to help more vulnerable elderly people by working with Newbury Racecourse and Swift.

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Newbury Racecourse is providing a Meals on Wheels hub in a contained and dedicated area, using the available kitchens and chefs to support vulnerable people who require the service, as well as donating £1,000 worth of food from their existing supplies and waiving any fees associated with the use of the site.

Chefs from both the Fair Close Centre, run by Age Concern Newbury & District, and Newbury Racecourse have joined forces to prepare hot nutritious meals up to seven days a week.

Swift Couriers is making available technology and support to optimise delivery routes and has also pledged to provide vans to deliver snack packs to outlying areas.

Efforts will support and be supported by the emergency Coronavirus appeal which the Greenham Trust has recently launched.

The Meals on Wheels service will continue to be a paid for service, with orders made over the phone.

Those wishing to obtain the service who are over 65 can call 01635 40488 to order meals. The lunchtime service will be extended to 7-days a week as soon as possible with phased planning to meet the growing demand.

For those wishing to support the efforts, the Greenham Trust has also launched a public appeal on its charitable funding platform, The Good Exchange, and pledged to match up to £100,000 of this funding for donations received via the platform.

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For every £1 raised, Greenham Trust will match £1 to support local charities that require additional help during these unprecedented times and will go to help those charities and volunteer organisations supporting those most urgently in need.

To donate money or apply for a grant, visit The Good Exchange https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/17994/greenham-trust/greenham-trust-coronavirus-emergency-appeal.

Greenham Trust is working alongside many local organisations including West Berkshire Council, Newbury Soup Kitchen, Citizens Advice West Berkshire, Age Concern Newbury & District, Volunteer Centre West Berkshire, Community Furniture Project, Healthwatch West Berkshire to support vulnerable and elderly people.