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(News source: published on behalf of Surrey County Council)
Stuck for getting your groceries?
With more people being asked to self-isolate as a result of Test and Trace, you may need to make sure that you are able to get hold of your grocery shopping and essentials if you can't get out. Especially as people with Coronavirus symptoms are now being asked to self isolate for 10 days instead of seven.
If you're unable to use family, friends or neighbours to help with delivering your shopping you may need to think of ways to get your weekly shop. Some people will still have priority over others for certain types of food delivery.
- If you or someone you know is clinically extremely vulnerable.
- If you're clinically extremely vulnerable advice on shielding changed on 6 July.
Read guidance on what you need to do
If you're on the supermarket priority list for food delivery slots, you'll stay on the list after 31 July. The Government food boxes will no longer be being sent out after 31 July.
If you can, ask friends, family or neighbours who are well to go out and get food and other essentials for you.
If you do not have others to help you, there may be community groups who can help in your area or your local shops may be able to provide orders for delivery (by phone or by email).
How to pay if someone else is doing your shopping for you
If someone is going to the shops for you, most of the major supermarkets have ways you can pay for your shopping, such as e-vouchers or gift cards. You can buy these online and the person shopping for you can use them in store. To find out about payment options, visit:
- your supermarket's website
- UK Finance website (the collective voice for the banking and finance industry)
If you or a family member meet the criteria to get support from the NHS Volunteer Responders programme, you can call 0808 196 3646 and ask for help with food, prescriptions and essential items.
If you need urgent help and have no other means of support you can call the Surrey Community Helpline on 0300 200 1008, Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 12pm. SMS: 0786 0053 465 for Deaf and hearing impaired residents only (Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm)
Food banks and community fridges
If you are struggling to afford food, you can find your nearest foodbank here via the Trussell Trust Organisation website. Foodbanks provide food via a voucher system which you will need to register for.
Community Fridges are fridges available in public spaces for people to come and collect food that has been donated. Check to see where your local community fridge is located in Surrey visit Mid Surrey Community Fridges website.
Some Community Fridges are now making deliveries within their communities too. Doorstep deliveries are via referral from social services, council, church or schools.