A SCHEME that is providing weekly meals to vulnerable people who are self-isolating in the dale has been extended into neighbouring Weardale.
Organised by Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (Utass) a group of volunteers has been delivering 62 meals to 31 vulnerable people since Covid-19 restrictions were announced in March.
Now a further six people in Weardale have been added to the list.
Bob Danby, project manager at Utass, said each recipient receives two main meals and two desserts every Wednesday – one of the meals can be put in the fridge or freezer to be enjoyed another day in the week.
Utass volunteer Marie Wray, who makes ten deliveries in the Eggleston area, added: “They love the food and they get some lovely desserts.”
She said a lot of people also enjoyed the social aspect of seeing a “different face” each week.
The meals are prepared at Middleton Auction Mart by Karen Scott, whose Farmhouse Kitchen catering businesses has been put on hold because of the crisis.
She said: “I have loved it – it has been nice to be back in the kitchen.
“The auction mart board have been fantastic.”
She also credited the volunteer drivers for making the deliveries.
The cook, who prepares ingredients on a Tuesday and cooks the meals on Wednesday morning ahead of an afternoon delivery, said: “I do the easy bit, Utass has been a lifeline for many people.”
The charity’s volunteers have also delivered more than 250 prescriptions to vulnerable people over the coronavirus period.
