WATCH: What ‘socially distant’ food distributions look like

Ever wondered what ‘socially distant’ food distributions look like in Calais?

We have been very happy to see the refugees responding to our new social distancing distributions during these difficult times!

Food deliveries are critical, but they shouldn’t put people at risk. Anyone who has volunteered in Calais can imagine how hard it’s been to achieve this. Watch below to see how it’s been on the ground.

New measures introduced due to the Coronavirus pandemic have greatly affected day-to-day life at the camp. Each week, to feed every site in Calais and Dunkirk, we need to make 330 food parcels at a cost of approximately €4,450. This is incredibly hard to sustain, but right now we have no choice.

We can no longer buy in bulk from the UK and we are clearing shelves at three Lidls in Calais every other day. Our volunteers are working long hours to make up hundreds of nutritious packs each morning.

A survey we carried out last week also showed that food remains the biggest concern in Calais, even more so than Coronavirus. Out of the 150 refugees surveyed, just 14 told us that Coronavirus was a primary concern for them. Why should it be? Nearly three times as many said they were fearful for their most basic needs: food, sanitation, shelter or clothing. When you don’t know where your next meal is coming from, a virus seems like a problem for another day.

To support our urgent appeal to see refugees through this terrible time, please click here.