More than 6,000 meals handed out to people in need 20/01/2021 More than 6,000 meals have been handed out by the Salvation Army in Penrith since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the first national lockdown came into force in March last year, the team has provided more than 6,000 three-course meals or tea and treat bags. The community foodbank has supported more than 1,200 families with requests for food, toiletries, electricity and gas costs and cleaning products. The Salvation Army said some weeks had seen demand triple. As part of the church and charityâs Christmas Present Appeal, they provided more than 120 Christmas hampers filled with gifts and food for struggling families.