* Professor David Foskett at the University of West London plans to organise a fund-raising day later in the year to allow the catering industry to show its gratitude to healthcare staff.
He says: “I have had this logo [see above] commissioned and, after this nightmare is over, I would like to organise a fund-raising day to thank NHS staff, who are our heroes.”
* Residents and businesses flooded Gosfield School in Essex with offers of help after thieves broke in and stole food meant for children of key workers.
Among them was Ben Snow from Brakes, who left a message at the school: “Ben from Brakes here. I’ve sorted a delivery for tomorrow and Emma Simmons should be calling to help with the order. If there is ANYTHING I can do I’m at the end of the phone as usual.”
* Molly Shaher, chair of the Professional Association of Catering Education (PACE) and lecturer at Middlesbrough College has contacted regulars at the college’s public restaurant offering to go shopping for them, collect prescriptions or just be available on phone for a chat.
“For my college it’s me and the staff if they need the help, or a chat -not the students. We don’t want to put them at risk. Many have appreciated the offer, and the fact there is another source they can ask for help if needed.
“The college customer base is the older generation, and this is a way we as a college, can offer support to the wider community. I have emailed all our PACE colleges with the idea and I hope some of them will also be able to do this.”
* Las Iguanas announced they were giving NHS staff and supermarket staff a 50% discount on hot takeaway call & collect for as long they can keep cooking.
* The Soho Sandwich Co partnered with ADRA International and Elior to donate sandwiches to key workers in the NHS & ambulance services.
* The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership, with the help of donations, has headed out to feed vulnerable people in the local area.
* LACA School Chef of the Year winner in 2019, Steven Cross, has stayed busy at Park Community School feed staff and pupils, but also cooking meals to stockpile their #MUNCH community freezer for vulnerable people.
* HC3S, the Hampshire school catering enterprise, and Endeavour Primary School in Andover helped put a smile on children’s faces by giving them a packed lunch, personal notes and toys.