The Winter Boost project was set up to boost the vitamin and mineral intake of the most vulnerable households in Liverpool, in an acute food crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic.

More than 13,800 food bank parcels distributed by 22 foodbank locations run by North Liverpool foodbank, South Liverpool foodbank and Micah Liverpool, were boosted over six months.

Co-ordinated by Together Liverpool’s partners Feeding Liverpool, The Winter Boost project boosted every food parcel distributed by three of the city's largest emergency food providers with extra fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs and tinned fish.

The parcels reached 4,249 households in Liverpool from November 2020 to April 2021- that’s 12,832 people, 4,321 of whom are children.

Dr Naomi Maynard, Feeding Liverpool Coordinator and Together Liverpool's Food Insecurity Lead commented that:

"Whilst it is a disgrace that this project was needed, I am so very proud of the way community organisations, the City Council and national funders pulled together to support those in our city experiencing acute food crises during the harshest months of the pandemic. It is vital that we continue to work together, improving access to food for those in crisis whilst also addressing the reasons why so many families found themselves needing support this year"

It was funded by Food Power for Generation Covid, Feeding Britain, Liverpool City Council Winter Grant and Together Liverpool.

Together Liverpool has produced a series of videos to share the story of the project, as part of our National Lottery funded Network of Kindness project.

The Winter Boost project was delivered with logistical support and a team of volunteers recruited through St Andrews Community Network, Christ Church, Norris Green and St George’s Pantry, Everton.

We are very grateful to the Archdiocese of Liverpool for the use of Our Lady Immaculate Social Club in Everton for this project.