Top UK entrepreneur launches scheme to feed NHS staff during COVID-19

A new non-profit organisation geared towards feeding thousands of critical NHS workers during the coronavirus outbreak has been launched by well-known UK entrepreneur, Ron Dennis CBE.

The initiative dubbed SaluteTheNHS was set up by the former F1 boss to allow frontline health workers access to nutritious and ready to eat meals, free of charge.

The formation of this initiative comes at a crucial time in Britain’s coronavirus outbreak crisis where just over the weekend, the UK saw the coronavirus death toll rise to 4,934, with figures set to reach 5,000 in the coming days.

“This is a time when all of us, individuals and businesses alike, need to stand up and be counted in the effort to combat COVID-19. I am delighted to be leading this initiative to help ensure that vital NHS workers have nutritious meals while they work every hour in this fight. It means they have one less thing to worry about,” says Dennis.

SaluteTheNHS is set to begin delivering free meals from today, (Monday 6 April 2020), starting at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. The following week deliveries will begin at Great Ormond Street, the London children’s hospital, and from there the programme will roll out to government targeted locations across the country.

The organisation has seen support provided by a stellar network of British businesses. They have been supported by Absolute Taste, one of Britain’s largest catering groups with its state-of-the-art kitchen in Bicester, Oxfordshire, while logistic support is being provided by Yodel, the leading parcel delivery service.

In addition, Tesco will donate all the food and ingredients for one million meals.

“Ensuring families have access to the shopping essentials they need, safely, has been our priority over the last few weeks, and so we’re pleased to now be able to help front line NHS workers by donating food and ingredients to provide them with one million meals through SalutetheNHS, commented Dave Lewis, CEO of Tesco Group.

“Covid-19 has reminded the country of the critical role of essential workers, and on behalf of Tesco colleagues, we would like to sincerely thank NHS staff for all they are doing,” he adds.

SaluteTheNHS.org is now calling for other supporters to donate or make a specific contribution as production grows, and is asking people to call the dedicated hotline on 0800 497 0797 or to visit the campaign’s Just Giving page*

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