Dear John

No one should go hungry because of Coronavirus - click here to take action now

Many people on low incomes do not have the financial resilience to self-isolate during the Coronavirus outbreak. The Government has not yet taken action to ensure they can protect themselves, and help stop the spread of the virus, without going hungry. Please write to your MP now and call for urgent action.

The Government and Chief Medical Officer have now closed schools, and advised millions of older and medically vulnerable people to self-isolate for a long period. We have all been asked to work from home, to avoid non-essential travel, and not to frequent pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues. This will mean job losses and drops in income.

Many will struggle to follow the advice to self-isolate, either because they already cannot afford enough food to cover this period; because their income is likely to drop substantially, placing pressure on their finances; or because they do not have support to access food and other basic necessities.

Church Action on Poverty has joined with over 30 other organistaions and experts to call on the Government urgently to release funds to eradicate household food insecurity, and to ease costs and welfare constraints, as a priority response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak. This unprecedented situation requires an urgent and unprecedented level of response. 

Click here to read the joint statement about this, signed by Church Action on Poverty, Independent Food Aid Network, Sustain, and many other organisations.

You can help by adding your voice. Please write to your MP urgently, and and ask them to support the call for Government action to keep people afloat during the coronavirus crisis. Click the link below to use our simple e-action now.

We know that this is a difficult time for everyone. During the outbreak, Church Action on Poverty will be in touch regularly. We'll share news from our networks of how people are working together to manage the situation. We'll send resources and ideas to help you stay safe and well. And we'll provide ways for you to take action, to ensure that no one is swept further into poverty by the outbreak. In the meantim,e do get in touch if you have any questions or suggestions.

Best wishes

Niall Cooper
Church Action on Poverty