Disability rights groups have called on the UK government urgently improve the coordination of food deliveries for persons with disabilities, warning that thousands are not getting the help they need during the coronavirus pandemic.
The disability charity Scope said almost half of the 600 adults with disabilities it surveyed had issues getting hold of essential items and that 38% of respondents who had tried to book supermarket delivery slots in the past three weeks had been unsuccessful, The Guardian reported.
“Based on the huge number of reports we’re seeing from vulnerable people struggling to get access to basic food and supplies, it’s clear that the current system is not working for those who need it the most”, said Sue Davies, the head of consumer protection.
“Without easily accessible and clearer information for these people, and stronger coordination between the UK’s central and devolved governments, the food industry, local authorities and local charities, there is a risk that many will go hungry during this pandemic.”
James Taylor, the executive director of strategy at Scope, said the consumer group’s findings echoed what his charity had heard from people with disabilities.
“Many have been forced to risk their health to visit supermarkets because they can’t get the deliveries they need,” he said.
The government set up a food parcel delivery scheme at the end of last month in an effort to support some of the 1.5 million people it had identified as particularly vulnerable to coronavirus because of conditions such as cancer or severe respiratory illness.
