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

The East Hampshire District Council owned centre will become the focal point for food distribution to those in need.

For now, deliveries will be to those who are deemed to be most at risk and have been told to self-isolate for three months.

A council spokesman said: “As the crisis continues, the council plans to set up its own supply hub in the district.

“From here, staff will package food from local supermarkets, ready for delivery to local groups and food banks requesting urgent assistance.”

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

The helpline has been set up by Hampshire County Council, and East Hampshire callers will be transferred to the EHDC switchboard.

The EHDC spokesman said: “The calls will be placed through to our switchboard, manned from 9am to 5pm seven days a week.

“Callers can request the vital support, services and supplies they need to during the coronavirus crisis.

“Their needs will be met either by council staff, food banks or through the community volunteer groups in their neighbourhood, managed by Community First.”

He added the helpline and Local Resource Centre in the Taro were being put in place primarily so vulnerable people across East Hampshire can access food and vital medicine.

The spokesman said: “The government has placed the responsibility for looking after these most vulnerable people in our towns and villages with NHS England, Hampshire County Council and local councils such as EHDC.

“Shielded residents, those considered to be extremely vulnerable to coronavirus, and other self-isolating residents may run low of food or medicine.”

But food distribution may need to be stepped up as more people become unemployed or see their incomes dramatically cut, and turn to local food banks.

And at the same time, food bank donations are expected to diminish – already many 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 the opening of 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 the army set up field hospitals and food supply chains across the UK.