ON February 16, Alan Dunne, a trustee of Devon and Cornwall Food Action (DCFA), took delivery of a pallet of game meat, the equivalent of 9,500 meals, at its Plymouth distribution centre from Crediton based game-dealer Andy Gray of MC Kelly.

MC Kelly is an official meat supplier for The Country Food Trust (CFT), a charity who distribute meat and game-based ready meals to those in food poverty around the UK.

DCFA has distribution hubs in Plymouth, Lostwithiel and Exeter, from where it redistributes food to other charities and organisations in the region.

Since inception in 2016, DCFA has received a total of 56,600 meals donated by the CFT.

Alan Dunne commented: “I am absolutely delighted to receive delivery of this meat here today; it will make a huge difference as we fight hard to support the vulnerable in our area.

"In November we received 9,440 game based ready meals from the Country Food Trust, so with today’s delivery this means we will have supplied 18,940 meals this winter to those in food poverty in Devon and Cornwall.

"I cannot thank all those at The Country Food Trust enough for helping us in these troubled times.”

Andy Gray, owner of MC Kelly added: “It is a pleasure to be helping out Alan and his team by supplying enough meat to feed 9,500 meals to those in need in his area.

"Coming here today and making the delivery myself feels rewarding but also makes me acutely aware of the problems faced by thousands not only in Devon and Cornwall, but also nationally.

"Our partnership with The Country Food Trust continues to grow and it is clear that it will be another busy year ahead for charities such as them and the likes of Devon and Cornwall Food Action.”

Tim Woodward CEO, The Country Food Trust commented: “We are delighted to be able to make this delivery to Devon and Cornwall Food Action today.

"Thanks to Alan and his team we know that this meat will be distributed fairly to charities and organisations around Devon and Cornwall and ultimately to feed those who need it most in the area.

"Many thanks to our registered game-dealer Andy Gray who produced the meat for today’s delivery and supplies meat for our pheasant curry, pheasant casserole and venison bolognese in ready meal format.

"Since 2016 we have supplied Devon and Cornwall with 70,606 ready meals, nationally we are about to reach two million meals supplied around the UK.

"The current demand for our food is extraordinary as more and more people fall into food poverty, adding to the eight million already classified in that category.”