THE TARO leisure centre in Petersfield is to become a food distribution centre as plans to make sure the vulnerable are fed during the coronavirus crisis ramp up.

The East Hampshire District Council (EHDC)-owned centre is to become the focal point for food distribution in the district.

For now, deliveries will be to those most at risk and self-isolating for three months.

A council spokesman said: “The council plans to set up its own supply hub in the district where staff will package food for delivery to local groups and food banks needing urgent help.”

And Hampshire residents who can’t get food or medicines are being urged to call the Hants4helpline on 0333 370 4000.

It has been set up by Hampshire County Council, and East Hampshire callers will be transferred to an EHDC switchboard.

The EHDC spokesman said: “It will be manned from 9am to 5pm seven days a week, and callers can request the vital support, services and supplies they need.

“These needs will be met by council staff, food banks or volunteer groups in their neighbourhood, managed by Community First.”

He added the helpline and Local Resource Centre in the Taro were primarily so vulnerable East Hampshire people could access food and vital medicine.

The spokesman said: “Shielded residents considered to be extremely vulnerable to coronavirus, and other self-isolating residents may run low of food or medicine.

“The responsibility for looking after these most vulnerable people is with NHS England, Hampshire County Council and councils such as EHDC.”

However, food distribution may need to increase as unemployment rises and incomes are cut, and people turn to local food banks.

But food bank donations are expected to fall – already food banks are urgently calling for more donations to meet escalating demand.

It’s also understood that armed forces logistics experts are advising on the plans to help feed the vulnerable, including through 11 Hampshire Local Resource Centres like the one in the Taro.

More than 3,000 armed service reservist specialists, including at least one from Petersfield, have been called up to help with field hospitals and food supply chains across the UK.