Businesses and organisations have got together with Maldon Town Council to offer much-needed support with fresh food supplies to 30 families throughout March.

The 'Meat and Two Veg' initiative began when town councillors Carlie Mayes and Jeanette Stilts applied to Essex County Council - on behalf of the town council - for a £2,000 grant and successfully secured £1,950 to help local families in need during the lockdown period.

Some Maldon-based businesses got on board to help and now, for the five-week long month of March, the 30 families selected will be given support with a supply of fresh meat and veg.

Maldon Meatline has agreed to supply meat and recipe cards, Maldon Fruit Supplies will provide fruit and vegetables in line with the NHS five-a-day recommendation and, with a small top-up, the hampers will also include eggs, a valuable protein, and bread, the latter baked by the Golden Platter in Maylandsea.

Director of Meatline, Wesley Sims, has also agreed that the hampers can be distributed from their premises in West Station Yard, adding "we are delighted to support this initiative and hope this is one of many to come".

Assistant Hayley, also from Meatline, formulated recipe cards to match the meat and veg supplied by partners for each week the project runs.

A spokesperson for Maldon Town Council said: "It is hoped families will benefit from fresh provisions that are often overlooked due to their cost.

"We would also like to thank Carl Wakefield and Jo Frost of Plume Academy, and Julie Taylor of The Cafe at St Peter's Hospital who have provided invaluable support and access to those families in need."

Anyone who would like to support the project so that it can continue can contact Councillor Carlie Mayes by emailing: [email protected] or calling 07979 862952. Alternatively, contact Cllr Jeanette Stilts by emailing: [email protected]